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Climate change is causing plants to die off in massive numbers in Southern California’s deserts and mountains, UC Irvine researchers have found.

Desert plants — famous for tolerance of torrid landscapes — are dying at an alarming rate due to the twin threats of even hotter temperatures and less rain, according to new research published this week.

Loss of vegetation cover is most stark in desert ecosystems already on edge of habitability.

"They're absolutely on the brink," said one scientist.

The ESS undergrad, who just graduated, is working to help native California plants come back from the edge.

Elevation of Central American orography significantly reduces the pervasive tropical rainfall bias by blocking the easterlies and consequently warming the northeastern tropical Pacific.

A chat between three different scientists on the similar methods they each use. 

The fellowship provides an annual stipend of $34,000 as well as tuition support.  

This month, climate research from the Randerson group made the headlines.

ESS Alum Dave Valentine has been inducted into UCI School of Physical Sciences Hall of Fame. Dave was a doctoral student in the 1990s, a student of Bill Reeburgh.

UCI study shows human-sourced boost to drying in Americas, Africa and Asia

Greenhouse gases and aerosol pollution emitted by human activities are responsible for increases in the frequency, intensity and duration of droughts around the world, according to researchers at the University of California, Irvine.