The Battle Against Climate Change

In a recent call-to-action, UC Santa Cruz Dean Alexander Wolf urged the entire university to incorporate climate resilience into their curricula and foster cross-disciplinary cooperation. Leading this initiative, Baskin Engineering is setting a precedent for educational institutions worldwide in tackling global challenges.

Students from various disciplines are urged to contribute their unique perspectives and skills. This joint effort not only promises to yield innovative solutions but also aims to prepare the next generation of leaders to confront climate change directly.

A Unified Effort for a Sustainable Future

"Scientists play a crucial role in understanding the climate crisis by researching its causes and predicting its impacts,” explains Dean Wolf. “For decades, our colleagues in the physical, natural, and social sciences have sounded the alarm about the consequences of global warming, warnings that have largely been ignored among those for whom this crisis constitutes an 'inconvenient truth.' I, however, am convinced of a need to act, and I expect you are too. I imagine you also agree that this is engineering’s time to contribute practical solutions for mitigating devastating climate challenges. Engineers are trained to translate scientific knowledge into tangible, scalable technologies. For instance, we are essential in the development of technologies for renewable energy, sustainable farming, and 'green' computing."

"At Baskin Engineering, we must train our students to build and optimize technologies that can solve the climate crisis and ensure a sustainable future, working collaboratively across the disciplines present at UC Santa Cruz. We have a responsibility to confront the urgency and magnitude of the climate crisis by activating the expertise and perspectives provided by our world-class engineering researchers,” explains Dean Wolf.

This past April, co-led by Assistant Dean and Chief of Staff Anne Criss, academic leaders from across North America convened. Representatives from UC and California State University campuses, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Ivy League institutions, the National Laboratories, and others shared ideas and discussed the successes and failures of generating impactful climate action across disciplines. Building on the success of this April meeting, the entire Baskin Engineering community has been called upon to join this effort—a project that demands all of their collective energy and expertise.

The climate crisis poses a global challenge that necessitates immediate and creative solutions. Although scientists have been pivotal in identifying and forecasting the effects of climate change, it is now up to engineers to develop and implement practical solutions. These solutions span renewable energy technologies, sustainable farming practices, and advancements in green computing.

Educating the next generation of engineers to tackle these challenges is a vital mission at Baskin Engineering. By integrating climate resilience into the curriculum and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, Baskin Engineering prepares its students to develop technologies that can mitigate the effects of climate change and promote sustainability.

The April conference exemplified the collaborative spirit required to address climate issues, offering a platform for academic leaders to share knowledge and strategies. The discussions illuminated both the successes and challenges in climate action, providing valuable insights that will guide future efforts.

Moving forward, it is essential to capitalize on the momentum from this conference. The Baskin Engineering community, along with its partners and collaborators, must leverage their collective expertise to develop innovative technologies and strategies. This unified effort is crucial for addressing the magnitude of the climate crisis and ensuring a sustainable future for everyone.

As this mission progresses, the entire UC Santa Cruz community is invited to participate. By working together, significant progress can be made in combating climate change and setting a standard for other institutions and communities worldwide. Rising to this challenge is key to creating a resilient and sustainable future.