Research Talk: What Climate Change Means for the Sierra Nevada—and California

Co-hosted by The Water Foundation

Over the past few years, Californians have seen first-hand the consequences of hotter-than-normal temperatures and a smaller-than-normal Sierra Nevada snowpack, including historically low reservoir levels, dying trees, and increased wildfire risk. You’ve probably wondered, “If things are like this now, what will they be like in the future, as the climate continues to change?”

UCLA Professor Alex Hall and his research team have set out to understand future impacts of climate change on the mountain landscapes we love and the snowpack upon which California depends for its water resources. Using innovative techniques to bring global climate model projections to very high spatial resolution, the UCLA team has produced first-of-their-kind projections of future climate that capture the intricate physical processes affecting climate in the Sierra.

In this talk, Dr. Hall will present key findings from the study and discuss what they mean for decision-makers, resource managers, and anyone who cares about the fate of California’s iconic mountain range and its unique ecosystems.

This event is co-hosted by the Water Foundation. Since its inception, the Water Foundation and its partners have catalyzed fundamental improvements in the way water is used in the West and have played a central role responding to California’s epic drought. In January 2017, the Water Foundation transitioned to an independent organization. This transition allows the foundation to achieve lasting impact transforming water use in the American West.