Climate Change

Over the past decade, California has become more prone to weather extremes, including increased frequency and severity of heat waves, droughts, and wildfires. How have these weather extremes affected the work, health, and safety of agricultural employers and farmworkers?

As extreme weather events occur more frequently and increase in severity each year, WCAHS is proud to welcome investigator, Kathryn (Katie) Conlon, PhD, and her research expertise related to adaptation strategies to protect human health in a changing climate.

Dr. Frank Mitloehner of the Department of Animal Science at UC Davis discusses the challenges that California dairies will face as they attempt to reduce agricultural emissions by 2030. 

WCAHS investigators are examining the potential health impact of wildfire smoke and ash through several projects.

No matter where you are in California, it is likely you will experience smoke from wildfires, which contains fine particles that can harm your health.

Potential health risks of wildfire smoke may be magnified due to pesticide application across California’s vast agricultural land and the use of fire retardants to fight fires.