Roger Bales
@rbalesuc.bsky.social
UC engineering prof working on a range of climate solutions in Calif: water resources, forest restoration, energy transition.
Well stated. There are so many efforts to distract from reversing fossil-fuel-driven climate warming, which is linked to so many other compelling issues such as inequality, biodiversity loss, public health ...
Print version of my new commentary ("Bill Gates’s climate comments are a dangerous distraction") on #COP30, Bill Gates and more, in the latest issue of @nature.com: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
November 20, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Well stated. There are so many efforts to distract from reversing fossil-fuel-driven climate warming, which is linked to so many other compelling issues such as inequality, biodiversity loss, public health ...
Socializing science with decision makers & the public also depends on engagement, leading to trusted messengers backed by science.
And we warned them with our new 2025 State of the Climate Report which you can check out here: doi.org/10.1093/bios...
November 19, 2025 at 4:58 AM
Socializing science with decision makers & the public also depends on engagement, leading to trusted messengers backed by science.
My @ucmerced.bsky.social colleague @fast-reggae.bsky.social just pointed me to this collection he's editing -- now open for submissions. www.nature.com/collections/...
Climate Activism: Bridging Science, Advocacy, and Public Engagement
This Collection aims to examine the evolving role of scientists in climate advocacy, tensions between objectivity and activism, and public engagement ...
www.nature.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:56 PM
My @ucmerced.bsky.social colleague @fast-reggae.bsky.social just pointed me to this collection he's editing -- now open for submissions. www.nature.com/collections/...
My University of California, Merced colleague Paul Almeida just pointed me to this collection he's editing -- now open for submissions. www.nature.com/collections/...
Climate Activism: Bridging Science, Advocacy, and Public Engagement
This Collection aims to examine the evolving role of scientists in climate advocacy, tensions between objectivity and activism, and public engagement ...
www.nature.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:36 PM
My University of California, Merced colleague Paul Almeida just pointed me to this collection he's editing -- now open for submissions. www.nature.com/collections/...
Yes, it is quite feasible to do this! Also, our UC campuses have developed conceptual plans & cost estimates to electrify our other hospitals. While the long-term economics may be favorable, an immediate barrier is financing.
Also, I had no idea?! "Hospitals are notorious for their greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for around 5% of emissions globally."
America's first all-electric hospital is opening soon in Orange County. Super cool. laist.com/news/all-ele...
November 10, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Yes, it is quite feasible to do this! Also, our UC campuses have developed conceptual plans & cost estimates to electrify our other hospitals. While the long-term economics may be favorable, an immediate barrier is financing.
“Until the well-evidenced obstruction of the fossil fuel industry is addressed and strong, lasting protections are in place, COP30 and all future COPs are pre-destined to fail.”
www.commondreams.org/news/cop30-b...
www.commondreams.org/news/cop30-b...
November 10, 2025 at 10:49 PM
“Until the well-evidenced obstruction of the fossil fuel industry is addressed and strong, lasting protections are in place, COP30 and all future COPs are pre-destined to fail.”
www.commondreams.org/news/cop30-b...
www.commondreams.org/news/cop30-b...
Thanks to Frontiers in Education for publishing this timely set of research, case-study & review pieces as a book. The important theme is how university colleagues can assume more-active roles in addressing the planetary climate & ecological crises.
www.frontiersin.org/research-top...
www.frontiersin.org/research-top...
Activating Academia for an Era of Colliding Crises
While there has been discussion for decades about the need to rethink the core purpose of academia to enable all to live well on a planet of finite resources, humanity’s present predicaments point to ...
www.frontiersin.org
November 10, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Thanks to Frontiers in Education for publishing this timely set of research, case-study & review pieces as a book. The important theme is how university colleagues can assume more-active roles in addressing the planetary climate & ecological crises.
www.frontiersin.org/research-top...
www.frontiersin.org/research-top...
Very sobering message. If only there could be action in the public interest by Congress
Six surgeons general: It’s our duty to warn the nation about RFK Jr. "We took an oath to declare dangers when we found them. We’re doing that again today." www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Opinion | Six surgeons general: It’s our duty to warn the nation about RFK Jr.
We took an oath to declare dangers when we found them. We’re doing that again today.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 7, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Very sobering message. If only there could be action in the public interest by Congress
Public and Planet to 'Pay the Price' as Trump Props Up Coal With $625 Million Bailout? Subsidy for an industry winding down because of both high cost & pollution. This handout is not in the public interest. www.commondreams.org/news/trump-n...
Public and Planet to 'Pay the Price' as Trump Props Up Coal With $625 Million Bailout | Common Dreams
Trump's Department of Energy announced it is investing $625 million in
the coal industry, sparking backlash from climate advocates.
www.commondreams.org
September 29, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Public and Planet to 'Pay the Price' as Trump Props Up Coal With $625 Million Bailout? Subsidy for an industry winding down because of both high cost & pollution. This handout is not in the public interest. www.commondreams.org/news/trump-n...
Banning reality is not really possible ...
The banned words list at Trump's Energy Department: "Please ensure that every member of your team is aware that this is the latest list of words to avoid." @zcolman.bsky.social www.yahoo.com/news/article...
Energy Dept. adds ‘climate change’ and ‘emissions’ to banned words list
It is the latest in a series of Trump administration efforts to dispute, silence or downplay climate change.
www.yahoo.com
September 29, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Banning reality is not really possible ...
Thanks to @sammyroth.bsky.social for this review of the current situation & wakeup call re the need for truthful messaging around the energy transition. Or better yet, engaging messaging like Vattenfall 's hilarious Samuel L. Jackson video. www.latimes.com/environment/...
Commentary: Trump's campaign against wind and solar is exposing his 'energy dominance' lies
Solar and wind companies need to start punching back.
www.latimes.com
September 26, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Thanks to @sammyroth.bsky.social for this review of the current situation & wakeup call re the need for truthful messaging around the energy transition. Or better yet, engaging messaging like Vattenfall 's hilarious Samuel L. Jackson video. www.latimes.com/environment/...
Thanks to @ianjames.bsky.social for reporting this reminder that decisions & agreements are urgent. More water is allocated than actually exists.
The dwindling Colorado River can't wait for states to cut water use, experts say
The dwindling Colorado River can’t wait for states to cut water use, experts say
A group of leading experts on the Colorado River say Western states urgently need to cut water use to avert a deepening crisis.
www.latimes.com
September 15, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Thanks to @ianjames.bsky.social for reporting this reminder that decisions & agreements are urgent. More water is allocated than actually exists.
solar over canal reduces evaporation, aquatic weed & algal growth, land conversion for solar; provides distributed solar for tie-in to local distribution lines or behind-meter use.
September 15, 2025 at 5:14 AM
solar over canal reduces evaporation, aquatic weed & algal growth, land conversion for solar; provides distributed solar for tie-in to local distribution lines or behind-meter use.
Thanks to all colleagues who are standing for science, pushing back on targeted cuts to research.
Scientists take on Trump: these researchers are fighting back. #Nature
Through lawsuits, grant tracking, whistle-blowing and more, resistance to the US war on science is growing.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Through lawsuits, grant tracking, whistle-blowing and more, resistance to the US war on science is growing.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Scientists take on Trump: these researchers are fighting back
Through lawsuits, grant tracking, whistle-blowing and more, resistance to the US war on science is growing.
www.nature.com
September 11, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Thanks to all colleagues who are standing for science, pushing back on targeted cuts to research.
It's good to see more attribution studies that make the link to emissions.
Dozens of heatwaves linked to carbon emissions from specific companies
->Nature | #CarbonEmission #Heatwave #ClimateChange | More info from EcoSearch
->Nature | #CarbonEmission #Heatwave #ClimateChange | More info from EcoSearch
Dozens of heatwaves linked to carbon emissions from specific companies
Climate scientists have been attributing storms, droughts and heatwaves to global warming for two decades. Now, they are tracing the chain of responsibility all the way back to the producers of fossil fuels. A study published today in Nature shows...
www.nature.com
September 11, 2025 at 2:02 PM
It's good to see more attribution studies that make the link to emissions.
The reality is that California & the U.S. must address aging dams. There are cost-effective alternatives. www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
California dam removal plan blasted by Trump administration
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins suggested that the Trump administration may try to halt PG&E’s plans to remove two dams on a Northern California river, due to water supply concerns.
www.sfchronicle.com
September 9, 2025 at 4:04 PM
The reality is that California & the U.S. must address aging dams. There are cost-effective alternatives. www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
Setting aside the science & deleting data do not make the reality of how our fossil-fueled economy is causing severe climate disruption go away. For a prosperous, equitable, sustainable future we simply must bring science back into decision making. This is urgent.
www.bloomberg.com/features/202...
www.bloomberg.com/features/202...
Trump Is Dismantling Climate Science at a Dangerous Pace
The White House has blocked efforts to measure, respond to and fight global warming. That puts all Americans at risk.
www.bloomberg.com
September 9, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Setting aside the science & deleting data do not make the reality of how our fossil-fueled economy is causing severe climate disruption go away. For a prosperous, equitable, sustainable future we simply must bring science back into decision making. This is urgent.
www.bloomberg.com/features/202...
www.bloomberg.com/features/202...
Deep cuts to federal agencies that fund science at colleges & universities proposed for coming year's budget bill. Can Congress develop more support for higher education & research, resist deep cuts? www.sfgate.com/bayarea/arti...
UC system says Trump's budget cuts could 'devastate' scientific research
The UC system launched a campaign pushing back on Congress' proposed budget.
www.sfgate.com
August 29, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Deep cuts to federal agencies that fund science at colleges & universities proposed for coming year's budget bill. Can Congress develop more support for higher education & research, resist deep cuts? www.sfgate.com/bayarea/arti...
Reposted by Roger Bales
Something deep in the Pacific is reshaping California’s weather. It may not stop anytime soon #cawater www.sfchronicle.com/weather/arti...
Something deep in the Pacific is reshaping California’s weather. It may not stop anytime soon
A record-low Pacific cycle could lock in coastal fog, delaying California’s rainy season and setting the stage for volatile weather ahead.
www.sfchronicle.com
August 25, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Something deep in the Pacific is reshaping California’s weather. It may not stop anytime soon #cawater www.sfchronicle.com/weather/arti...
Interesting point at the end: "... a smaller population should bring benefits: a society that has fewer people can lessen pressure on the environment and allow for greater investment in each individual. But a stable economy is key ..." www.nature.com/articles/d41...
People are having fewer babies: Is it really the end of the world?
Steep population declines in most countries are expected to have negative impacts over the next several generations, but adaptation is possible.
www.nature.com
August 21, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Interesting point at the end: "... a smaller population should bring benefits: a society that has fewer people can lessen pressure on the environment and allow for greater investment in each individual. But a stable economy is key ..." www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Like the photos by @myungchun.bsky.social
A walking tour on the shore of Mono Lake traces the history of Los Angeles’ water reliance and reveals the stark toll among the exposed tufa towers.
Photos by @myungchun.bsky.social www.latimes.com/environment/... @latimes.com @latimesphotos.bsky.social
Photos by @myungchun.bsky.social www.latimes.com/environment/... @latimes.com @latimesphotos.bsky.social
At Mono Lake, visitors witness the stark toll of L.A.'s water use
Los Angeles has taken a lot of water from Mono Lake over decades by tapping into creeks that flow into it. In shoreline tours, guides impress on visitors just how much higher the lake should be.
www.latimes.com
August 9, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Like the photos by @myungchun.bsky.social
The federal govt's $1B demand of UCLA harms every American, not just UC & Calif. We all benefit from
UCLA's vital work saving lives, improving national security, helping feed the world, increasing educational opportunity & driving innovation. I'm speaking as a proud UC alum & retired UC prof.
UCLA's vital work saving lives, improving national security, helping feed the world, increasing educational opportunity & driving innovation. I'm speaking as a proud UC alum & retired UC prof.
August 9, 2025 at 2:10 AM
The federal govt's $1B demand of UCLA harms every American, not just UC & Calif. We all benefit from
UCLA's vital work saving lives, improving national security, helping feed the world, increasing educational opportunity & driving innovation. I'm speaking as a proud UC alum & retired UC prof.
UCLA's vital work saving lives, improving national security, helping feed the world, increasing educational opportunity & driving innovation. I'm speaking as a proud UC alum & retired UC prof.
This is bad news for all Americans, making a demand aimed at devastating the UC system & stemming the contributions UC makes toward a prosperous, sustainable & equitable future for our nation.
August 9, 2025 at 2:05 AM
This is bad news for all Americans, making a demand aimed at devastating the UC system & stemming the contributions UC makes toward a prosperous, sustainable & equitable future for our nation.
Start with solar on already disturbed land, build strategies to maximize distributed solar, while still developing grid-scale renewables.
August 5, 2025 at 5:06 AM
Start with solar on already disturbed land, build strategies to maximize distributed solar, while still developing grid-scale renewables.
Thanks to @sammyroth.bsky.social for a good analysis on on manageable tradeoffs. The urgency is clear & well known. We "... need to get real about the enormous amounts of renewable energy we still need to build to replace deadly, destructive fossil fuels ..." www.latimes.com/environment/...
Commentary: California needs a little less farmland, a lot more solar power
It's an easy climate solution. But really, there's no such thing.
www.latimes.com
July 24, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Thanks to @sammyroth.bsky.social for a good analysis on on manageable tradeoffs. The urgency is clear & well known. We "... need to get real about the enormous amounts of renewable energy we still need to build to replace deadly, destructive fossil fuels ..." www.latimes.com/environment/...