UCSD Decarbonization, Electrification, and Sustainability Planning Study

In 2023, the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) conducted a vulnerability assessment, subcontracting Rincon Consultants and Eagle Rock Analytics to develop climate projections tailored to the campus’s specific needs. Eagle Rock Analytics translated UCSD’s primary climate risk concerns— ranging from temperature impacts on residence halls and increased flooding risk to stormwater systems, to landslide risks and sea level rise driven by atmospheric rivers– into measurable climate metrics calculated from climate projections. They identified and adapted relevant climate projection data to assess vulnerabilities across UCSD’s facilities and operations at different future warming levels, providing a detailed outlook on potential risks to the campus’s surrounding area.

Examining locations of historical weather station and climate projection data over UCSD's campus.
Examining changes in heat index warming by month for different warming levels.
Plotting cooling degree days per month for UCSD's campus by warming level.