Distinguished Climate Speaker Series: Jonathan Foley

For the UC Merced Earth Institute's Fall '26 Distinguished Climate Speaker Series event, Dr. Jonathan Foley brings a message of science-backed hope. Using Project Drawdown’s innovative Drawdown Explorer as a backdrop, Dr. Foley will explain how researchers evaluate climate solutions based on impact, speed, cost, location, scalability, and additional community benefits to make smart decisions about investing in climate actions that are getting real world results. Gain a clearer understanding of which solutions have the greatest potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and how individuals, businesses, communities, and governments can focus their efforts where they’ll make the biggest difference.

Move beyond the fear and uncertainty by understanding what is already working—and see why optimism, backed by science, is an important part of solving the climate crisis.

About Dr. Jonathan Foley

Jonathan Foley, Ph.D., is a world-renowned environmental scientist, sustainability expert, educator, and public speaker. His work focuses on understanding our changing planet and finding new solutions to sustain the climate, ecosystems, and natural resources we all depend on. Jon’s groundbreaking research and insights have made him a trusted advisor to governments, foundations, non-profits, and business leaders worldwide. He and his colleagues have made major contributions to our understanding of global ecosystems, food systems, climate change, and the sustainability of the world’s resources. He has published over 130 peer-reviewed scientific articles, including many highly cited works in Science, Nature, and PNAS. In 2014, Thomson Reuters named him a Highly Cited Researcher in ecology and environmental science, placing him among the top 1 percent most cited global scientists.

Event Schedule:

2:30 PM -Doors open

3:00 PM -Event Start: Opening Remarks

3:10 PM -Keynote Lecture by Dr. Jonathan Foley: “We Can Do This! A hopeful, science-based framework to stop climate change and build a better world.”

3:55 PM –Presentation by UC Merced faculty

4:20 PM -Panel discussion and Q&A with the speakers moderated (Audience questions submitted through Slido and live questions as time permits)

4:45-5:00pm – Event End

Location: UC Merced Conference Center Ballroom

Parking: Paid parking for visitors is available in the Bellevue Lot (see here for directions and wayfinding to the Conference Center). For parking cost and payment option details, please visit .

Funded in part through a gift from the David and Lucille Packard Foundation.

For more information about the UC Merced Earth Institute visit: www.Earth.ucmerced.edu