2023 Impact Report: Our New Era of Shaping Effective and Equitable Environmental Policy Solutions

A brief, interactive summary of select environmental policy impacts in 2023

Luskin researcher and partners publish Nature Commentary defining shade deserts and ways to eliminate them

Shade is an essential solution to reduce health disparities exacerbated by extreme heat
crowd around photos on a board

UCLA research reveals successful model to build and renovate multibenefit parks in underserved communities

The Link initiative piloted in Los Angeles County demonstrates value of collaborative, community-driven parks building model
Edward Rendon Park, Austin. Photo by Cesar Garza / Flickr

Federal park funding reaches underserved communities — but more can be done

Research from UCLA and The Wilderness Society finds that with a few key improvements, federal park funds can bring outdoor recreation to more communities
Rainwater flowing into a storm drain in Los Angeles

Informing equitable stormwater investments in L.A. County

Findings from new UCLA report emphasize the need for community-selected and benefiting projects
A curb with a plaque referencing a green stormwater management programPhoto credit: Mark McClure / Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 license)

What influences local leaders to prioritize green stormwater solutions?

A new study finds that decisionmakers who value environmental protection are most likely to choose green stormwater management tactics

California is making big, hyperlocal investments to fight climate change — and it’s working

New UCLA progress reports show how the Transformative Climate Communities program is improving the lives of Californians
Image of heat mapping for Watts, LA

Turner and Colleagues Receive Grant to Pinpoint Sources of Heat Injustice

Through modeling, data and storytelling, researchers will explore why historically redlined neighborhoods face extreme heat burdens today.

UCLA to Inform Adaptive Management of Stormwater Capture Program in L.A. County

Luskin Center for Innovation researchers join interdisciplinary monitoring team to enhance the region’s water supply and build community resilience

Symposium Convenes Climate Adaptation Experts Amid Intensifying Heat, Fires and Floods

With 24 virtual sessions, the symposium featured the research and expertise of 98 speakers across the social sciences, including economics, geography, public health, urban planning and public policy.