The Department of Environmental Science and Policy plays a unique role in bringing together the natural sciences and social sciences to improve environmental policies, protect biodiversity, understand ecological processes and foster an interdisciplinary perspective on environmental and natural resource issues.
The Department of Environmental Science and Policy consists of 21 faculty members, two emeritus professors, one Specialist in Cooperative Extension, and over 90 academic staff, postdoctoral, graduate or undergraduate student researchers.
Slashing emissions to Paris Climate Agreement targets could reduce impacts 20-30 percent
Current levels of greenhouse gas emissions are putting nearly half of California’s natural vegetation at risk from climate stress, with transformative implications for the state’s landscape and the people and animals that depend on it, according to a study led by the University of California, Davis.
Scientists help clarify labels and shore up supply
Seafood is low in fat, high in protein, and a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids, which doctors say can boost brain development and help prevent ailments like depression, arthritis, and heart disease.
Health benefits are one reason people are eating more fish. The United Nations reports that global per capita fish consumption has hit a record high and continues to climb.
Can fisheries sustainably keep up with rising demand? What is “sustainable seafood” anyway?
National Science Foundation award will help UC Davis train graduate students for coastal work
The University of California, Davis, is receiving a nearly $3 million award from the National Science Foundation to train the next generation of marine scientists under a new paradigm that puts a focus on policy at the front end of research.
Kate Hewett receives Van Alfen/MacDonald Graduate Student Support Fund award
Kathryn (Kate) Hewett is the 2017 recipient of the Neal Van Alfen and James MacDonald Graduate Student Support Fund award for her exemplary research and leadership on the science of estuaries.
“The selection committee was very impressed with her strong academic record and demonstrated commitment of service to the campus and community,” said Helene Dillard, dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Ron Tjeerdema named to NAS committee on dispersants for oil spills
Ronald Tjeerdema, CA&ES Associate Dean for Environmental Sciences, has been named to a select committee for the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) that will evaluate the use of dispersants in future oil spills.
“I am looking forward to contributing my 30 years of experience in oil spill research,” said Tjeerdema, who is a professor in the Department of Environmental Toxicology and also holds the Donald G. Crosby Endowed Chair in Environmental Chemistry.
The social eating habits of fish may play a central role in protecting coral reefs, according to a study from the University of California, Davis, published April 10 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Fish provide a critical service for coral reefs by eating algae that can kill coral and dominate reefs if left unchecked. The study, which analyzed the social feeding behavior of reef fish, suggests that overfishing not only removes vital algae-eaters, but it may cause remaining fish to eat less.
Reef fish that conquer fear of sharks may help control excess algae.
If there was a top-rated restaurant in a dangerous part of the city, chances are some brave souls would be willing to risk it all for a delicious meal.
So it goes with coral reef fish dining on algae in French Polynesia, according to a study from the University of California, Davis.
New Master of Science offered in Environmental Policy and Management
UC Davis is offering a new Master of Science degree in Environmental Policy and Management (EPM). The priority application deadline for the inaugural class, which begins next fall, is January 15, 2017.
Farms with more variety of crops attract fewer insect pests
Left to its own defenses, a farm field growing a variety of plants tends to attract fewer insect pests than a field growing just one type of crop. While scientists and farmers have noted that difference for years, the reasons behind it have been poorly understood.
