New research from @utah.edu finds wildfire smoke significantly increases ozone concentrations. The research concludes wildfire smoke increases ozone concentrations by 21 parts per billion, or by roughly 20 to 30% higher on average. attheu.utah.edu/research/wil...
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The study’s authors say a contribution approach would be more scientifically accurate and legally defensible than the current system, potentially resulting in higher quality projects.
attheu.utah.edu/research/car...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
To be effective, corporations should financially contribute to climate mitigation, as opposed to claiming credit for actions that may ultimately provide little climate benefit.
Successful forest carbon credits should:
1. Lead to net global cooling;
2. Result in additional climate benefits;
3. Avoid carbon “leakage;”
4. Store carbon long enough to make a difference
Over the past few years, U Biology Professor Dr. William Anderegg assembled a Wilkes Center Working Group of leading scientists from other US universities to identify the specific problems and propose solutions.
But forest carbon credits have widespread problems that are undermining the potential for companies to invest in Nature-based Climate Solutions (NbCS). Better science and policies are needed.
Globally, forests have the biggest potential to mitigate climate change. Trees absorb vast amounts of carbon that would otherwise be in the atmosphere exacerbating the climate crises.
Ever wondered about the long-term costs of driving an EV versus a similar gas-powered vehicle? 🔌⚡🚗
U student Adrian Martino just made an app for that! This interactive tool for Utah Clean Energy lets you compare the cost of ownership and emissions side-by-side.
attheu.utah.edu/science-tech...
@utah.edu Professors Phil Dennison (Geography) and Derek Malia (Atmospheric Sciences) recently showed off new tech they’re developing to help combat wildfires
@ksl5tv.bsky.social #WildfireWorkingGroup
ksltv.com/local-news/u...
The Wilkes Center is excited to announce a leadership transition! Fielding Norton will be the new managing director, while John Lin the scientific director.
science.utah.edu/wilkes-cente...
@utah.edu
@uofu-science.bsky.social
@uofubiology.bsky.social
Wilkes Center founding director William Anderegg will step down on June 30 after three years of establishing the center as a national leader in climate research and collaboration.
wilkescenter.utah.edu/spotlight/wi...
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@utah.edu
Leaders from a national laboratory, academic research, non-profit advocacy and private industry reveal how Utah is positioned to lead in the clean energy transition at the 2025 Wilkes Climate Summit.
Third Prize, $500 – Yarong Cao
Revealing disparities and drivers of compound exposure to urban heat and PM 2.5 pollution using low-cost sensors
Mentor: Alexandra Ponette-González, associate professor, City & Metropolitan Planning, College of Architecture
Second Prize, $1000 – Rylie Gagne
Walking on Thin Ice: Polar Bear Navigation in a Warming Arctic
Mentor: Jody Reimer, assistant professor, School of Biological Sciences and the Department of Mathematics, College of Science
First Prize, $1500 – Nathan Murthy
Satellite-Tracking data reveals migratory pathways of Steppe and Booted Eagles in the African-Eurasian Flyway
Mentor: Cagan Sekercioglu, professor, School of Biological Sciences, College of Science
Congratulations to the research poster contest winners!
Wilkes Center-funded graduate and undergraduate students showcased their climate-related research projects and competed for cash prizes at the Wilkes Summit. Attendees were invited to vote on their favorite posters throughout the day.
Gracyn Lia Hinojosa is another one of our spectacular Wilkes Scholars! She is currently researching the impacts of climate induced drought on Ranching Culture in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Navigate here to read all about her! wilkescenter.utah.edu/spotlight/gr...
The finalists will present their solutions during the morning of the upcoming Wilkes Climate Summit on May 15 at the Eccles Alumni House. Register at this link to attend: wilkescenter.utah.edu/summit/
The seven finalists are:
· Mlinda Charitable Trust (India)
· Shamsina (Egypt; New York)
· De Novo Foodlabs (North Carolina)
· Symmetry Wood, PBC (California)
· Build up Nepal Engineering (Nepal)
· OGA Street Tech (Louisiana)
· Roca Water, Inc. (California)
The annual Climate Launch Prize supports innovative ideas from organizations at all stages, both for-profits and nonprofits—anywhere in the world—to help fund and accelerate solutions to climate change.
We are thrilled to announce this year’s finalists for the $250,000 Wilkes Climate Launch Prize at the University of Utah!
Navigate to this link to read all about him (and his hit YouTube Channel)!
wilkescenter.utah.edu/spotlight/be...
Bennett Davenport is another one of our incredible undergraduate Wilkes Scholars! He is currently researching small mammal fossils found in caves surrounding the U to learn more about Utah's changing ecology over time.
Melanie Osuna is another one of our incredible undergraduate Wilkes Scholars! She is currently researching a sediment core that potentially has a lot to tell us about the ancient people of the Great Salt Lake Desert.
Navigate to this link to read all about her!
wilkescenter.utah.edu/spotlight/me...
During the hybrid event held online and on campus at the University of Utah, student-led teams will create AI-powered solutions for air quality prediction and improvement across the Wasatch Front.
One-U Responsible Artificial Intelligence Initiative is partnering with AWS and NVIDIA to hold an air quality hackathon in June 2025!
Entrepreneurs, faculty, staff, and students from across Utah are eligible to participate in the hackathon. No coding experience needed! Prizes include cash and perks from sponsors. Read full details at rai.utah.edu/hackathon
The DEADLINE to REGISTER is APRIL 15th.
Check out our interactive map to see all 2025 Wilkes Launch Prize application geographic origins. wilkes-center.github.io/2025WilkesPr...
wilkescenter.utah.edu/prize/2025-c...
#WilkesPrize #climatesolutions
Applicants who advance to round 2 will be notified by the middle of April. Selected finalists will be invited to pitch their ideas at the Wilkes Climate Summit May 15th.
WOW! We received over 1,100 Submissions for the 2025 Wilkes Climate Launch Prize! The amount of innovation and enthusiasm for climate solutions across the world is truly inspiring.
