Expert Briefings

Expert panelists shared insights on how AI technologies can enhance biodiversity conservation efforts through real-time monitoring, predictive modeling, and targeted species protection. Discussions covered recent technological advancements, the challenges of implementing AI solutions, and their implications for policymakers in safeguarding ecosystems against climate change and environmental degradation. Some key points from the discussion: Nathaniel Roth: […]

Disasters’ compounding impacts – much of which can be attributed to global climate change – are accelerating risk exposure for all, starting with society’s most vulnerable, under-resourced communities and regions. Moderated by the creator and host of the America Adapts podcast, this kickoff event brings together experts across climate change science, economics, politics, and migration […]

CCST’s 8th annual Science & Technology Week (February 3-7, 2025) brought together policy leaders, science and technology experts, CCST champions, and our incredible network of partner institutions to discuss some of the state’s biggest challenges and opportunities. We partnered with the University of California, Office of the President (UCOP) Research & Innovation team for two panel […]

California’s future is expected to be more smoky as wildland fires become more common. Beneficial wildland fires can improve forest health and reduce the risk of destructive fires, but exposure to fire smoke adversely impacts human health. This CCST Expert Briefing will explores opportunities to build more robust connections between forest management and public health […]

Serving as the kickoff event to CCST Science and Technology Week 2024, this “Blue Sky” panel brings together a diverse group of experts to explore the untapped potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to mitigate the impact of disasters, particularly in the context of California’s unique challenges and the escalating impacts of climate change. Together, […]

Lithium Extraction from Geothermal Brine Lithium is a key component of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and is considered critical for the clean energy transition. Watch this CCST Expert Briefing, a follow up to our recent briefing on the Lithium Supply Chain, where the panel discusses the technology required to filter lithium out of geothermal brines, the […]

Lithium Supply Chains: Charging Our Future with Sustainable Sources The degree to which the U.S. lithium battery supply chain relies on foreign imports poses a threat to U.S. national and economic security. California’s efforts to support lithium extraction from geothermal facilities and attract other steps of this supply chain is one piece of a broader […]

Watch: The Human Health Benefits of Improving Forest Health in California Download the Full Report (PDF)  |  Download the One Pager (PDF)  |  View the Slide Deck (PDF) With health impacts from wildfire smoke estimated to be one of the largest costs of wildfires, a new study from CCST and Blue Forest shows that improving […]

Agrivoltaics is the co-location of solar panels on agricultural lands that results in the co-production of agricultural products and electricity. Globally, it is a growing area of research that has the potential to address challenges in the water-energy-food nexus. In the US, there has been a recent expansion of research into the compatibility of various […]

  Training Tomorrow’s Cybersecurity Workforce The cybersecurity workforce is facing a shortage of trained professionals as we become more computer, data-driven, and network-based society. How can we prepare California’s workforce for the cybersecurity and IT labor market needs of the future? Join us for a CCST Expert Briefing as we discuss opportunities and challenges of […]

  What is the potential role for desalination in California’s water portfolio? Watch this CCST Expert Briefing, held during CCST S&T Week 2023, for a discussion on innovations in desalination research and opportunities to resolve challenges related to energy intensity and brine disposal. Featuring experts from the UCLA, Cal Poly Pomona, UC Irvine, Stanford University, and […]

Toward a Disaster Resilient California: Cultivating Data Security Practices in Precision Agriculture To feed a growing population affordably and in a way that minimizes greenhouse gas production, the farming industry will need to rely on innovative technologies such as precision agriculture. Watch this Expert Briefing to broadly explore the benefits of precision agriculture and the […]

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—The Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program at the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research in partnership with the California Council on Science & Technology (CCST) hosted a series of 6 public roundtables to discuss California-specific information and knowledge gaps that will help inform the scope of climate change research conducted as part of California’s Fifth Climate […]

Toward a Disaster Resilient California: Decarbonizing Transportation with Hydrogen   How can hydrogen help to decarbonize long haul trucking and transit? Watch our CCST Expert Briefing to learn how hydrogen fuel cells work, how they are being improved, and how hydrogen safety is being evaluated for use in transportation. Held September 8, 2022. Moderator: Gia Vacin […]

Toward a Disaster Resilient California: Decarbonizing with Hydrogen: Challenges and Opportunities California has made significant strides in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, but there remain many challenges to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. Many experts believe that hydrogen could be key to decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like cement and steel production, agriculture, and heavy-duty transportation. As […]

  Toward a Disaster Resilient California: Managing Salinity in the California Delta in a Changing Climate   The Delta supplies freshwater to two thirds of all Californians, a $50 billion agricultural industry, and critical habitat for many protected species. Increasing drought and sea level rise is making it more challenging for water managers to meet […]

Toward a Disaster Resilient California: The Role of Microgrids in Providing Reliable and Equitable Access to Electricity   Communities across California are designing and installing microgrids to improve their resilience during disasters and to meet their climate change and environmental justice goals. What are microgrids and how can they help ensure all Californian’s have access to […]

Toward a Disaster Resilient California: Establishing a Data Infrastructure to Effectively Respond to the Next Disaster     In the fight against COVID-19, the scientific community worked together to provide answers to the policy community and the public as rapidly as they could, yet difficulties in sharing data complicated their ability to do so.  What […]

Toward a Disaster Resilient California: How Climate Change Impacts Renewable Energy Production   How is climate change impacting California’s renewable energy supply? Watch our CCST Expert Briefing to learn more about how renewable energy sources can be impacted by changing environmental conditions such as cloud cover, smoke plumes, wind speeds, and precipitation levels. Held February 7th, 2022. […]

  Floating vegetation, which can clog waterways and equipment, becomes more prevalent during drought in the California Delta. |  Photo by Michael Whiting via Shruti Khanna   Toward a Disaster Resilient California: The Many Impacts of Drought in the California Delta   In the past 50 years California has experienced a significant drought about once […]

  Toward a Disaster Resilient California: Building a Resilient Electrical Grid   How can we increase the resilience of our electrical grid to large scale disruptive events such as extreme weather or malicious attacks? Watch our CCST Expert Briefing to learn more. Held August 25, 2021. Moderator: Assemblymember Chris Holden California’s 41st Assembly District Expert Panelists: Charles […]