Wildfires and their aftermath impact all Californians and cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars every year. The 2021 UC Wildfire Symposium Series focuses on California’s resiliency to wildfire, extreme drought and climate change. The UC Research and Innovation-sponsored series examines near-term and immediate science and solutions that are needed for California to adapt to and mitigate wildfire impacts.

The first wildfire symposium took place on June 4, 2021. Read the event recap. The second will be held on July 28, 2021, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (PT). UC faculty experts and key state agency officials will highlight the importance of the “wildland-urban interface” — the space between unoccupied land and human development, where disastrous wildfire impacts are most likely to occur. We will explore factors that significantly impact human systems, such as smoke, air quality and drought events, and consider how they affect Californians’ health and environment.

Topics will include:

  • Climate risk, insurance, and finance
  • Megadrought and extreme heat
  • Wildland-urban interface
  • Climate equity and justice
  • Health impacts and wellness

The UC community and general public are welcome and encouraged to attend the virtual symposium, which will begin with an introduction by President Michael V. Drake, M.D. Visit Zoom to register. A video recording will be available after the event, at the Summit series website.

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