Science and Climate Content

A Microbial Blueprint for Climate-Smart Cows

Amy M Quinton — November 17, 2025 - 6:00am

UC Davis research reveals which gut microbes in a cow could reduce methane, bringing them a step closer to engineering microbes to create climate-smart cows.

Fossil Fuel CO2 Emissions Hit Record High in 2025

Katherine E Kerlin — November 13, 2025 - 3:27pm

Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels are projected to rise by 1.1% in 2025 – reaching a record high, according to new research by the Global Carbon Project.

UC Davis Chancellor May Leads Delegation to Kenya to Advance California–Kenya Climate and Trade Partnership

Katherine E Kerlin — November 13, 2025 - 1:06pm

UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May led a delegation to Kenya this week to advance a landmark partnership between the State of California and the Government of Kenya focused on climate action, clean transportation, climate smart agriculture, public health and innovation. Chancellor May was joined by Samuel Assefa, director of the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, as well as several �ԹϺ�� representatives. The delegation was jointly organized by UC Davis Global Affairs, Institute of Transportation Studies and the Office of the Special Envoy on Climate of Kenya.

How Climate Change Brings Wildlife to the Yard

Katherine E Kerlin — November 12, 2025 - 4:04pm

As climate change increases the frequency of droughts, UCLA and UC Davis researchers found one overlooked side effect: People report more conflicts with wildlife during drought, when resources are scarce.

For every inch that annual rainfall decreases, scientists found a 2% to 3% increase in reported clashes with a variety of carnivores during drought years, according to a paper published today, Nov. 12, in the journal Science Advances.

Mechanical Power by Linking Earth’s Warmth to Space

Andy Fell — November 12, 2025 - 11:31am

Engineers at the University of California, Davis, have invented a device that can generate mechanical power at night by linking the natural warmth around us to the cold depths of space. The invention could be used, for example, to ventilate greenhouses or other buildings. The work is described Nov. 12 in Science Advances.

An Extreme Tree Hunt in the Sierra Nevada

Katherine E Kerlin — November 10, 2025 - 9:00am

Across 24 peaks and 240 miles through the Sierra Nevada, a UC Davis team searches for high-altitude Jeffrey pines to learn how climate change is reshaping forests.

California Surface Water Costs Triple During Drought

Amy M Quinton — November 05, 2025 - 2:01pm

UC Davis study shows surface water prices triple during drought while groundwater prices remain stable over time. It points to the need for joint surface and groundwater management.

Deep-Water Sediments Reveal Patterns of Extraterrestrial Influence on Earth’s Ancient Climate

Andy Fell — October 31, 2025 - 10:42am

Roughly 34 million years ago, the Earth started transitioning from a greenhouse to an icehouse state — defined by long-term cooling trends that resulted in ice sheets in the planet’s polar regions. During this time, continental carbon reservoirs expanded as carbon dioxide decreased in the atmosphere.

But that trend has reversed. Fossil fuel consumption, among other sources of pollution, have resulted in increasing atmospheric and oceanic temperatures, leading to ice sheet melt and unprecedented shifts in our environments.

New Species of Spider Discovered, Just in Time for Halloween

Amy M Quinton — October 29, 2025 - 9:24am

UC Davis scientists have discovered a new species of trapdoor spider in California's coastal sand dunes.

California Schools Are Losing Tree Canopy

Katherine E Kerlin — October 27, 2025 - 8:55pm

About 85% of elementary schools studied in California experienced some loss of trees between 2018 and 2022, found a UC Davis study.