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Roger Bales

@rbalesuc.bsky.social
109 followers 64 following 76 posts

UC engineering prof working on a range of climate solutions in Calif: water resources, forest restoration, energy transition.

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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
These prototypes provide key data & lessons learned that will inform how & where to build the next mile & the next hundred miles.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
It appears Heartland, Zeldin & colleagues want people to believe we live in a world with an alternative reality, where science & common sense give way to obedience to plutocrats.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Our Roadmap urges institutions to elevate climate action as a core campus mission. Regarding climate as just one of many competing concerns has fragmented academia’s efforts & diminished its impact. We can do much more working across campus & with other campuses! secondnature.org/get-involved...
secondnature.org
Academics for Climate Action Working Group - Second Nature
On this page Apply for the Steering Committee Apply for ACA Membership Climate Action Roadmap The goal of the Academics for Climate Action working group is to help restructure higher education to bett...
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
This is worth reading & quite scary. Even more scary that the GOP leadership seems to accept if not condone it all. open.substack.com/pub/heatherd...
open.substack.com
The President can be bought
At 2:10 p.m. this afternoon, after a nearly 40-minute delay, Donald J. Trump finally shuffled into the Oval Office. And as he stood behind the podium, with his bruised hand, unkempt hair, and swollen,...
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
I see this as a step toward bringing science back into decision making, especially for climate & health. Thanks to elected officials & all who participated & are ready for the hard work of protecting our voting, rule of law, freedom of speech, & our democracy. www.commondreams.org/news/no-king...
commondreams.org
'No Kings!' 8 Million Rally Against Trump in Largest Single-Day Protest in US History | Common Dreams
Millions across the US rallied against Trump's authoritarian agenda in nationwide No Kings protests, featuring speeches, performances, and massive crowds.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
The solutions start where @standupforscience.net has been pointing us — at the ballot box. Let's get climate & health science working – together.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
Great job, well done!
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
So true.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
well stated
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
SF #StandUpforScience on Sat. talking re attacks on science-informed decision making, federal research support, higher ed, research on hold since 2024 election, how attacks cut my daughter's PhD support, & ways we’re working to counter attacks & rebuild support. Solutions go through the ballot box!
Speaking in Civic Plaza with City Hall behind
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Nice summary, thanks for writing. Climate & Earth sciences partnering with biomedical & public-health to fight back & rebuild public support for science makes a lot of sense. We must do a lot more & avoid competing over the remains after OMBs destructive actions.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
Great story by @jricole.bsky.social. With renewables, we can do this in California & U.S. too.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
An apt term for many regions
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Thanks to Jerome Powell for standing up for evidence-based decision making.
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Reposted by Roger Bales
Senator Bernie Sanders @sanders.senate.gov · 03/01/2026
My statement on President Trump’s actions in Venezuela.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 06/12/2025
ICYMI, a new video by UC colleague Robyn Schelenz on our operational & still evolving water-energy-ecosystem initiative, which adds solar to open canals, creating an innovative multi-benefit infrastructure investment. www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/solar-p...
universityofcalifornia.edu
Solar-panel-covered canals have their day in the sun in California
California’s first solar-over-canal project goes online with the commissioning of the narrow and wide span arrays in the Turlock Irrigation District, bringing to life the ultimate “why didn’t I think ...
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
We have known for decades, there’s no alternative to phasing out fossil fuels ...
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
Well stated. There are so many efforts to distract from reversing fossil-fuel-driven climate warming, which is linked to so many other compelling issues such as inequality, biodiversity loss, public health ...
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
Socializing science with decision makers & the public also depends on engagement, leading to trusted messengers backed by science.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
My @ucmerced.bsky.social colleague @fast-reggae.bsky.social just pointed me to this collection he's editing -- now open for submissions. www.nature.com/collections/...
nature.com
Climate Activism: Bridging Science, Advocacy, and Public Engagement
This Collection aims to examine the evolving role of scientists in climate advocacy, tensions between objectivity and activism, and public engagement ...
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
My University of California, Merced colleague Paul Almeida just pointed me to this collection he's editing -- now open for submissions. www.nature.com/collections/...
nature.com
Climate Activism: Bridging Science, Advocacy, and Public Engagement
This Collection aims to examine the evolving role of scientists in climate advocacy, tensions between objectivity and activism, and public engagement ...
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
Yes, it is quite feasible to do this! Also, our UC campuses have developed conceptual plans & cost estimates to electrify our other hospitals. While the long-term economics may be favorable, an immediate barrier is financing.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
“Until the well-evidenced obstruction of the fossil fuel industry is addressed and strong, lasting protections are in place, COP30 and all future COPs are pre-destined to fail.” www.commondreams.org/news/cop30-b...
commondreams.org
UN Climate Chief: Refusal to Halt Planetary Destruction Will 'Never, Ever Be Forgiven' | Common Dreams
At COP30, a key UN leader warns that as "disasters decimate the lives of millions" and "when we already have the solutions," inaction on the climate crisis "will never, ever be forgiven."
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
Thanks to Frontiers in Education for publishing this timely set of research, case-study & review pieces as a book. The important theme is how university colleagues can assume more-active roles in addressing the planetary climate & ecological crises. www.frontiersin.org/research-top...
frontiersin.org
Activating Academia for an Era of Colliding Crises
While there has been discussion for decades about the need to rethink the core purpose of academia to enable all to live well on a planet of finite resources, humanity’s present predicaments point to ...
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Very sobering message. If only there could be action in the public interest by Congress
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Public and Planet to 'Pay the Price' as Trump Props Up Coal With $625 Million Bailout? Subsidy for an industry winding down because of both high cost & pollution. This handout is not in the public interest. www.commondreams.org/news/trump-n...
commondreams.org
Public and Planet to 'Pay the Price' as Trump Props Up Coal With $625 Million Bailout | Common Dreams
Trump's Department of Energy announced it is investing $625 million in the coal industry, sparking backlash from climate advocates.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Banning reality is not really possible ...
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
Thanks to @sammyroth.bsky.social for this review of the current situation & wakeup call re the need for truthful messaging around the energy transition. Or better yet, engaging messaging like Vattenfall 's hilarious Samuel L. Jackson video. www.latimes.com/environment/...
latimes.com
Commentary: Trump's campaign against wind and solar is exposing his 'energy dominance' lies
Solar and wind companies need to start punching back.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Thanks to @ianjames.bsky.social for reporting this reminder that decisions & agreements are urgent. More water is allocated than actually exists.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
solar over canal reduces evaporation, aquatic weed & algal growth, land conversion for solar; provides distributed solar for tie-in to local distribution lines or behind-meter use.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
Thanks to all colleagues who are standing for science, pushing back on targeted cuts to research.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
It's good to see more attribution studies that make the link to emissions.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
The reality is that California & the U.S. must address aging dams. There are cost-effective alternatives. www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
sfchronicle.com
California dam removal plan blasted by Trump administration
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins suggested that the Trump administration may try to halt PG&E’s plans to remove two dams on a Northern California river, due to water supply concerns.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Setting aside the science & deleting data do not make the reality of how our fossil-fueled economy is causing severe climate disruption go away. For a prosperous, equitable, sustainable future we simply must bring science back into decision making. This is urgent. www.bloomberg.com/features/202...
bloomberg.com
Trump Is Dismantling Climate Science at a Dangerous Pace
The White House has blocked efforts to measure, respond to and fight global warming. That puts all Americans at risk.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
Deep cuts to federal agencies that fund science at colleges & universities proposed for coming year's budget bill. Can Congress develop more support for higher education & research, resist deep cuts? www.sfgate.com/bayarea/arti...
sfgate.com
UC system says Trump's budget cuts could 'devastate' scientific research
The UC system launched a campaign pushing back on Congress' proposed budget.
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Reposted by Roger Bales
Maven's Notebook @mavensnotebook.com · 25/08/2025
Something deep in the Pacific is reshaping California’s weather. It may not stop anytime soon #cawater www.sfchronicle.com/weather/arti...
sfchronicle.com
Something deep in the Pacific is reshaping California’s weather. It may not stop anytime soon
A record-low Pacific cycle could lock in coastal fog, delaying California’s rainy season and setting the stage for volatile weather ahead.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Interesting point at the end: "... a smaller population should bring benefits: a society that has fewer people can lessen pressure on the environment and allow for greater investment in each individual. But a stable economy is key ..." www.nature.com/articles/d41...
nature.com
People are having fewer babies: Is it really the end of the world?
Steep population declines in most countries are expected to have negative impacts over the next several generations, but adaptation is possible.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
Like the photos by @myungchun.bsky.social
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
The federal govt's $1B demand of UCLA harms every American, not just UC & Calif. We all benefit from UCLA's vital work saving lives, improving national security, helping feed the world, increasing educational opportunity & driving innovation. I'm speaking as a proud UC alum & retired UC prof.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
This is bad news for all Americans, making a demand aimed at devastating the UC system & stemming the contributions UC makes toward a prosperous, sustainable & equitable future for our nation.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Start with solar on already disturbed land, build strategies to maximize distributed solar, while still developing grid-scale renewables.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
Thanks to @sammyroth.bsky.social for a good analysis on on manageable tradeoffs. The urgency is clear & well known. We "... need to get real about the enormous amounts of renewable energy we still need to build to replace deadly, destructive fossil fuels ..." www.latimes.com/environment/...
latimes.com
Commentary: California needs a little less farmland, a lot more solar power
It's an easy climate solution. But really, there's no such thing.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Yes, this is unfathomable. The current political pressure to score points by attacking universities seems to be broad & deep. Could regaining or gaining broader public support, better socializing the many valuable outcomes of our research, education & public service help? It can't hurt.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
The actions that brought these unprecedented cuts seem incomprehensible. We didn't see it coming. We built the 21st century academic research enterprise to meet demand for new knowledge. Now is the time to better socialize our products & broaden public support. www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti...
sfchronicle.com
Stanford cuts $140 million, warns of layoffs as research funding dries up, endowment tax looms
Like other universities, Stanford has been hit by the Trump administration’s cutting of federal research funding.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
Through both words & actions the administration is setting aside the sort of independent, science that has informed policy & investments for decades. Thanks for a thoughtful piece & a call to further action!
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
This DoE action does not appear to be in the public interest. The transition to clean energy is foundational to a sustainable future for society as we know it. www.commondreams.org/opinion/trum...
commondreams.org
Why Did DOE Axe $3.7 Billion in Clean Energy Projects Days After a Global Climate Alert? | Common Dreams
This is not simply a policy mistake. It’s a calculated abdication of leadership for a fleeting political win.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
This is one of the companies California is suing for climate damages, companies accused of a continuing “decades-long campaign of deception” to hide the truth about the climate crisis. If only they could go beyond advertising & be part of the climate solution.
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Reposted by Roger Bales
Sammy Roth @sammyroth.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
What do the Dodgers, Giants and also the cheating Houston Astros have in common? As of this month, they're all sponsored by the oil giant that owns 76 gasoline. My column on the power of advertising, and Big Oil's sneaky strategy for making you love them: www.latimes.com/environment/...
latimes.com
Commentary: What do the Dodgers and Giants have in common? An iconic ad — for Big Oil
76 gasoline is now advertising at Oracle Park. Is it an epic betrayal or a climate fail?
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
This New Yorker cover aptly reports the administration's foreign policy.
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Roger Bales @rbalesuc.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
The switch from gasoline to electric vehicles remains urgent & although the individual & societal benefits are huge, the transition requires our collective action through government policy & support. calmatters.org/environment/...
calmatters.org
US Senate blocks California’s electric car mandate in historic vote
Today’s decision could upend California’s phaseout of gas-powered cars and diesel trucks, and its battle against air pollution. California plans to sue, saying it's an unlawful act.
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