Adding solar PV to existing wind energy sites can boost profits and minimize the need for new transmission infrastructure. This study used a nonlinear optimization model to size solar PV additions at over 1,300 U.S. wind projects, ranking sites by environmental impact and cost efficiency.
Abandoned or lost fishing gear can be dangerous to sea life, and the Ocean Defender’s Alliance (ODA) is dedicated to removing it. This team created a short film on the collaboration between ODA and local fishers to make a big difference in the marine environment by removing fishing debris.
The ecology of giant kelp is complex and the formation of kelp forests is impacted by many factors, including ocean nutrient concentrations, water depth, sea surface temperature, and seafloor habitat. The Santa Barbara Channel has been home to many long-term research projects that collect data on these factors. Unfortunately, this information is in many formats and data structures making it challenging for researchers to easily incorporate it into their work. This project creates a shortcut for acquiring and using these data by synthesizing a data set of nutrient concentrations, water depth, sea surface temperature, seafloor habitat, kelp area, and kelp biomass.
In this project, we conduct a case study of Zambia to demonstrate a recently developed machine learning pipeline. We use the “Multi-task Observations using Satellite Imagery & Kitchen Sinks” (MOSAIKS) machine learning approach. In this approach, we use processed numerical data from satellite images and agricultural survey data to develop machine learning models that predict various agricultural variables over time.
This project modeled human-black bear conflicts in California, incorporating fire and drought impacts to predict future hotspots. Findings help wildlife managers allocate resources and implement proactive strategies to reduce conflicts, especially in vulnerable communities.
Travelleco connects travelers with eco-friendly, locally-owned tourism providers to reduce environmental damage and economic inequality in tourism. The platform promotes transparency with sustainability scores, tracking both environmental impacts and local economic benefits.
The BWBS program is a successful incentive program that slows ships in the SB Channel to reduce pollution & whale strikes—but it must become more widely adopted to have the intended impact. This team presents a strategy to build a pathway to certification through a brand ambassador network.
