Evaluating and advancing equity in energy transitions
Equitably decarbonizing California: A multi-campus collaboration will help the Golden State reach its energy goals
Leah Stokes Part of Inaugural Forbes Sustainability Leaders
The 2035 Initiative at UC Santa Barbara is a cutting-edge “think-and-do” tank that brings together world-leading environmental policy research labs to develop actionable roadmaps for slashing climate pollution and ushering in a more equitable, resilient future. We use empirical research, policy development, and media engagement to support transformational policy change in the United States and across the planet.
Our research and advocacy has three core aims:
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Accelerating the Clean Energy Transition
Supporting the rapid uptake of clean energy technologies, and widespread electrification.
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Phasing Out Fossil Fuels
Winding down the use of fossil fuels in all sectors of our economy.
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Adapting to Climate Change
Helping Americans and people around the world adapt to devastating impacts that are already locked in.
Confronting the climate challenge at scale is not just about technology and economics. We also need politically viable policy solutions for our climate and energy problems. Power is at the center of our work – where it sits, how it’s distributed, and how we can mobilize successful political coalitions in support of climate stability.
Featured News and Events
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What the Election Means for Climate Policy
Join us for a discussion with Adrian Deveny and Dr. Leah Stokes
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An Evening with Climate Expert and National Security Advisor Sherri Goodman
Join us for a discussion with Climate Expert and National Security Advisor Sherri Goodman, moderated by UCSB's Dr. Leah Stokes.
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Leah Stokes Part of Inaugural Forbes Sustainability Leaders
Forbes recognized 50 honorees as part of its inaugural Sustainability Leaders list, which highlights 50 entrepreneurs, scientists, funders, policymakers and activists who are leading the charge to combat the climate crisis.
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7,000 wildfires burned across California in 2023 alone. The solution is to fight fire with fire.
2035 Initiative BEL Fellows Izzy Sofio and Katie McElroy explore the role of using prescribed burning to reduce the risk of a larger wildfire.
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UCSB Social Psychology Colloquium: Realizing the full potential of behavioural science for climate change
Join us for a talk by Cameron Brick, an Assistant Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Amsterdam. This event is hosted by the UCSB Social Psychology Colloquium and is co-sponsored by The 2035 Initiative.
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Inspiring collective action to improve urban air quality in Uganda
Social competitions between neighbourhoods galvanise leadership and inspire collective action to reduce informal waste burning in urban Uganda.
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Leveraging social psychology to overcome barriers to climate action
Despite public support for climate action, we still do not have climate policy to match the urgency and scale of the crisis. Why haven’t public views on climate change translated into bold enough action? Social psychology can help bridge this gap.
The 2035 Initiative is a collaboration between world-leading environmental policy and politics research labs at the University of California Santa Barbara. We are a project of the UCSB Division of Social Sciences, and affiliated with the UCSB Institute for Energy Efficiency.
Learn more about what we do and who we are.