UCLA’s Global and Local Impact on Climate Change

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ast month, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a comprehensive climate report that secretary-general Antonio Guterres called a "survival guide for humanity." The report lays out the threat to human well-being and planetary health, urging swift action on the world’s climate emergency.

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ENERGY SUPPLY

Energy production from fossil fuels, like coal, oil and gas, is responsible for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, emissions need to be reduced by almost half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. Sustainability requires renewable, reliable, resilient power sources that improve efficiency, like solar, wind and hydropower.

• GLOBAL
• Solar power only accounts for 3% of electricity in the U.S. A scientific breakthrough at UCLA could have a wide-reaching effect on making this renewable resource longer lasting and more affordable. In a study published in Nature Materials, an international collaboration led by UCLA added a small amount of metal, called neodymium, to protect solar cells from deterioration. This innovation will transform solar, with cells that last longer and are less expensive.

• LOCAL
• UCLA researchers from engineering, environmental science, law, labor studies, public health and public policy are partnering with LADWP to conduct studies that will help the city achieve its goal of transitioning to 100% renewable energy sources while ensuring an equitable transition. Historically, underresourced neighborhoods have borne the brunt of pollution and the effects of climate change; this partnership aims to ensure all citizens will enjoy the benefits of sustainability.

• UCLA CAMPUS
• Methane, the most potent greenhouse gas, may cause as much of 20% of global warming. The oil and gas industry is a responsible for 30% of total methane emissions in the United States. UCLA is undertaking a major decarbonization study, with support from the State, to develop a strategy for decarbonization and reducing the use of fossil natural gas.

LAND, WATER, FOOD

The Earth’s ecosystems are being over-exploited to provide humans with shelter, water and food, sustainability requires efficient use of these resources to protect and conserve for future generations. Twenty-six percent of the United States’ carbon dioxide emissions come from food production, transportation and disposal. Mitigation measures include protecting our oceans and forests and require a shift to more sustainable diets. 

• GLOBAL
• Something as simple as the color of our outdoor lights can have a domino effect on health. Insects can be pests, but they are a vital part of the food chain, pollinating fruits and vegetables. In recent years, scientists have warned about the decline of insect populations. Now, new research by UCLA and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute shows that yellow or amber LED lights attract beneficial insects while blue and ultraviolet light can harm beneficial insects. 

• LOCAL
• The UCLA Sustainable LA Grand Challenge is creating a sustainability roadmap for the world’s cities. This University-wide initiative is using UCLA research, expertise and education to transform Los Angeles into the world’s most sustainable megacity by 2050. UCLA faculty, researchers and scholars, among the world’s top experts in sustainability, have formed an interconnected, interdisciplinary network committed to drive efforts to combat climate change.

• UCLA CAMPUS
• The student-initiated, designed and facilitated research program in the Institute of Environment and Sustainability, Sustainability Action Research, investigates areas of campus that may contribute to climate change to find solutions. The UC-wide sustainability plan set a goal of 25% sustainable food purchases by 2030. This year, the SAR Sustainable Food Team is looking into a drop in sustainable food purchases since the COVID pandemic. The team will audit UCLA Dining’s food purchases and reporting methods to review shortcomings and make recommendations, including purchasing from diverse and ethical vendors.

SETTLEMENTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE, INCLUDING HEALTH

Greening our infrastructure will have a positive and lasting impact on slowing climate change. How people live, travel and work all contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. More than half of the world's population live in urban areas, and cities account for two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions. Efficient buildings, vehicles, transportation and energy sources that are affordable and accessible are needed to tackle this challenge. The healthcare industry accounts for almost 5% of global CO2 emissions.

SOCIETY, LIVELIHOOD AND ECONOMY

How we live and work influences how we use resources. How the world handles issues such as global migration, planning for natural disasters and social safety nets will have a worldwide impact on meeting sustainability goals. Current circumstances demand leaders who can drive change and encourage support for sustainability measures.

• GLOBAL
• To fight mass environmental destruction, scholars from the UCLA School of Law’s Promise Institute for Human Rights have defined the crime of ecocide as “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused.” If adopted, corporations and governments would be held responsible for their actions. Kate Mackintosh, executive director of The Promise Institute told UCLA, “The hope is that this will change the risk analysis in a way that leads to better choices for the environment. We all win when that happens.”

• LOCAL
• Encouraging consumers to use clean energy requires new policies. Researchers from the Luskin Center for Innovation (LCI) conducted two recent studies that look at encouraging California’s energy consumers to limit energy use during periods of high demand. The report found that financial rewards of any size, on top of what consumers save for using less energy, had a measurable effect on reducing use. The results of the study will inform local policymakers, utilities and energy providers.

• UCLA CAMPUS
• Buildings are hot spots for energy and resource consumption, responsible for 40% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. To reduce the campus’ contribution to global climate change and improve health and indoor environmental quality, all new buildings on the UCLA campus must meet California’s strict laws and achieve a LEED silver rating. As of July 2021, UCLA has 56 LEED buildings and renovations - 11 Silver, 28 Gold and 17 Platinum. Green buildings have added benefits of being less expensive to heat, cool, and illuminate, and contribute to better human health.

HOW CAN ALUMNI GET INVOLVED?

UCLA faculty, staff, students and alumni are leading the efforts to make a more sustainable future. There are Bruins playing key roles all across the field, from leading Sustainability and Resiliency at city departments like LASAN (Doug Walters ’88) to starting businesses like Decarbon to help people reduce their footprint (Kyle Graycar ’14). There are many ways for alumni to get involved, from hosting students for internships or client projects to networking through events. Check out this month's calendar of activities planned for Earth Month at UCLA. If you are interested in the field of sustainability, you can learn more about careers on this page or join the UCLA Extension Sustainability Certificate Program. Of course, you can always support programs through sponsorships and donations. Find out more about how to get involved at UCLA Sustainability or contact sustainability@ucla.edu.

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10 Things You Can Do to Live a More Sustainable Life

1. Eat more plant-based food. This lessens the substantial greenhouse gas emissions of meat production. Plant a garden, visit a farmer’s market or subscribe to a CSA farm box to enjoy delicious fruits and vegetables in season.
2. Reduce emissions by choosing to carpool, walk, bike or use public transit. If driving, cut down on idling. Or buy an electric car.
3. Bring a refillable mug, a reusable water bottle or a reusable tote bag. Consider buying secondhand to save money and resources.
4. To reduce organic waste, Los Angeles residents are now required to compost biodegradable kitchen scraps. Create a countertop compost bin which you can then use in the garden or dispose of in your green recycling bin. 
5. When not in use, turn off lights, TVs, computers and anything else that is plugged in — a power strip can make this easy. And when your laptop is fully charged, leave it unplugged to save hundreds of watts of power.
6. Halogen incandescents, CFLs and LEDs can cost more than traditional lightbulbs, but they use less energy and will save you money over time.
7. When it's time for new appliances, upgrade to an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly model for long term savings.
8. If you own your home, consider installing solar panels. Solar energy can be used to heat water and to generate electricity and heat.
9. Save water by turning off the tap when it's not in use or running your dishwasher and laundry only when full. Install low-flow toilets, faucets and water-efficient showerheads, or if you live in an arid region, convert your lawn to a drought-resistant landscape.
10. As new research and technological advancements become available, continue to learn and adopt new ways to reduce your carbon footprint and conserve the Earth’s resources.

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Previous Connect Articles on UCLA Sustainability

• Sustainability Goals
• Sustainable UCLA: A Walking Tour

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