Monica Dean
@monicadean.bsky.social
Ocean & Climate Diplomacy
Former Team #Climate Envoy | USC | UN Foundation | IPCC
Views my own.
Former Team #Climate Envoy | USC | UN Foundation | IPCC
Views my own.
Exactly! Know your audience, and adjust accordingly.
January 14, 2026 at 8:37 PM
Exactly! Know your audience, and adjust accordingly.
In a related study, in 2020, we tested some of the most commonly used climate science terms... and the results would be hilarious if it wasn't so depressing. No one understood what mitigation, adaptation, carbon neutral, etc. meant.
link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007...
link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007...
Client Challenge
link.springer.com
January 14, 2026 at 8:15 PM
In a related study, in 2020, we tested some of the most commonly used climate science terms... and the results would be hilarious if it wasn't so depressing. No one understood what mitigation, adaptation, carbon neutral, etc. meant.
link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007...
link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007...
Proving yet again the climate experts are often at odds with the general public.
A nationally representative survey in 2022 tested "climate change" vs. other framing (notably "climate crisis") finding you need to stick with what's already familiar. link.springer.com/article/10.1...
A nationally representative survey in 2022 tested "climate change" vs. other framing (notably "climate crisis") finding you need to stick with what's already familiar. link.springer.com/article/10.1...
January 14, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Proving yet again the climate experts are often at odds with the general public.
A nationally representative survey in 2022 tested "climate change" vs. other framing (notably "climate crisis") finding you need to stick with what's already familiar. link.springer.com/article/10.1...
A nationally representative survey in 2022 tested "climate change" vs. other framing (notably "climate crisis") finding you need to stick with what's already familiar. link.springer.com/article/10.1...
ICYMI Sue and Jean are out with a piece today in just security on this issue: www.justsecurity.org/128687/impli...
Legal and Practical Implications of the U.S. Withdrawal from the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change
The U.S. withdrawal from the UNFCCC is a further blow to climate cooperation and a demonstration of U.S. foreign policy volatility.
www.justsecurity.org
January 14, 2026 at 3:01 PM
ICYMI Sue and Jean are out with a piece today in just security on this issue: www.justsecurity.org/128687/impli...
Bodansky, as usual, is already of us. Completely agree that everything is likely to be litigated - but I suppose that's just how policy works in the US now 🙃
January 8, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Bodansky, as usual, is already of us. Completely agree that everything is likely to be litigated - but I suppose that's just how policy works in the US now 🙃
...definitely cuts both ways and we've unfortunately seen that.
January 7, 2026 at 11:35 PM
...definitely cuts both ways and we've unfortunately seen that.
...actually Biden proved you can rejoin w/out Senate. Look at UNESCO. Good article here: virginialawreview.org/articles/rej...
Rejoining Treaties - Virginia Law Review
Historical practice supports the conclusion that the President can unilaterally withdraw the United States from treaties which an earlier President joined with the advice and consent of two-thirds of ...
virginialawreview.org
January 7, 2026 at 11:29 PM
...actually Biden proved you can rejoin w/out Senate. Look at UNESCO. Good article here: virginialawreview.org/articles/rej...
What was once the US National Nature Assessment is now the United by Nature Assessment. These reports are only as good as the feedback they receive - nominations for expert reviewers is now open!
The National Academies is inviting nominations for experts to review the draft United by Nature assessment. Ecology, climate, conservation, social science, sci-comm + more. If someone comes to mind—maybe you—please nominate & please the word!
www.nationalacademies.org/projects/DEL...
www.nationalacademies.org/projects/DEL...
Review of the draft United by Nature assessment
The United by Nature Assessment is designed to be “a holistic assessment of U.S. lands, waters, and wildlife, and the benefits they provide.
www.nationalacademies.org
December 2, 2025 at 7:39 PM
What was once the US National Nature Assessment is now the United by Nature Assessment. These reports are only as good as the feedback they receive - nominations for expert reviewers is now open!
Reposted by Monica Dean
Ahead of the 2028 Olympics, Los Angeles launches a program to expand shade across the city
Ahead of the 2028 Olympics, Los Angeles launches a program to expand shade across the city
L.A. is partnering with colleges and nonprofits to launch ShadeLA, an initiative focused on tree planting, canopy design and urban heat resilience before the 2028 Games.
www.latimes.com
August 1, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Ahead of the 2028 Olympics, Los Angeles launches a program to expand shade across the city
Reposted by Monica Dean
In the next 3 years - the World, Cup, Super Bowl, & Olympics will be coming to Los Angeles.
To make sure LA is ready for the world stage amidst rising & more severe heat waves, & to leave our community more resilient long after the last medal is won - we're launching a new campaign: Shade-LA.com
To make sure LA is ready for the world stage amidst rising & more severe heat waves, & to leave our community more resilient long after the last medal is won - we're launching a new campaign: Shade-LA.com
July 17, 2025 at 1:31 PM
In the next 3 years - the World, Cup, Super Bowl, & Olympics will be coming to Los Angeles.
To make sure LA is ready for the world stage amidst rising & more severe heat waves, & to leave our community more resilient long after the last medal is won - we're launching a new campaign: Shade-LA.com
To make sure LA is ready for the world stage amidst rising & more severe heat waves, & to leave our community more resilient long after the last medal is won - we're launching a new campaign: Shade-LA.com
That is EXACTLY the goal!!
July 17, 2025 at 8:50 PM
That is EXACTLY the goal!!
Press release: today.usc.edu/usc-teams-up...
FYI climate, adaptation and sports friends: @sammyroth.bsky.social @afreedma.bsky.social @daisydunne.carbonbrief.org @ed-king.bsky.social @katharinehayhoe.com @kkwilkinson.bsky.social @tdiliberto.bsky.social @jessimckenzi.bsky.social @eroston.bsky.social
FYI climate, adaptation and sports friends: @sammyroth.bsky.social @afreedma.bsky.social @daisydunne.carbonbrief.org @ed-king.bsky.social @katharinehayhoe.com @kkwilkinson.bsky.social @tdiliberto.bsky.social @jessimckenzi.bsky.social @eroston.bsky.social
USC teams up with ShadeLA coalition to cool Los Angeles ahead of 2028
ShadeLA, a new USC-led initiative, unites civic, academic and community partners to expand urban tree canopy and shade infrastructure — building lasting heat resilience for Angelenos well beyond 2028.
today.usc.edu
July 17, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Press release: today.usc.edu/usc-teams-up...
FYI climate, adaptation and sports friends: @sammyroth.bsky.social @afreedma.bsky.social @daisydunne.carbonbrief.org @ed-king.bsky.social @katharinehayhoe.com @kkwilkinson.bsky.social @tdiliberto.bsky.social @jessimckenzi.bsky.social @eroston.bsky.social
FYI climate, adaptation and sports friends: @sammyroth.bsky.social @afreedma.bsky.social @daisydunne.carbonbrief.org @ed-king.bsky.social @katharinehayhoe.com @kkwilkinson.bsky.social @tdiliberto.bsky.social @jessimckenzi.bsky.social @eroston.bsky.social
Learn more by reading @awalkerinla.bsky.social great piece: bsky.app/profile/awal...
Trees are essential, but LA streets need cooling now. A new initiative, ShadeLA, is launching today — racing to fill shade gaps ahead of looming megaevents with a neighborhood legacy mindset
Made in the shade
"We're trying to change the way that we as Angelenos think about our neighborhoods, so that we actually look around and say, where can there be more shade — in the same way that many of us have though...
www.torched.la
July 17, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Learn more by reading @awalkerinla.bsky.social great piece: bsky.app/profile/awal...
This is an unprecedented collaboration focused on climate resilience ahead of major events - led by @usc.edu @dornsife.usc.edu in collab with @luskininnovation.bsky.social ( @edithdeguzman.bsky.social), the City and County of LA, @la28games.bsky.social and 15+ community partners
July 17, 2025 at 1:31 PM
This is an unprecedented collaboration focused on climate resilience ahead of major events - led by @usc.edu @dornsife.usc.edu in collab with @luskininnovation.bsky.social ( @edithdeguzman.bsky.social), the City and County of LA, @la28games.bsky.social and 15+ community partners
In the next 3 years - the World, Cup, Super Bowl, & Olympics will be coming to Los Angeles.
To make sure LA is ready for the world stage amidst rising & more severe heat waves, & to leave our community more resilient long after the last medal is won - we're launching a new campaign: Shade-LA.com
To make sure LA is ready for the world stage amidst rising & more severe heat waves, & to leave our community more resilient long after the last medal is won - we're launching a new campaign: Shade-LA.com
July 17, 2025 at 1:31 PM
In the next 3 years - the World, Cup, Super Bowl, & Olympics will be coming to Los Angeles.
To make sure LA is ready for the world stage amidst rising & more severe heat waves, & to leave our community more resilient long after the last medal is won - we're launching a new campaign: Shade-LA.com
To make sure LA is ready for the world stage amidst rising & more severe heat waves, & to leave our community more resilient long after the last medal is won - we're launching a new campaign: Shade-LA.com
Our latest USC Urban Trees Initiative study found that LA has stricter rules for where/what can go into the public right of way than nearly any other comparable cities. In many instances, these arcane rules are what is restricting tree planting in the places that need it most.
Pruning the red tape. @dornsife.usc.edu research shows that even small policy changes could open up more planting space in dense communities, helping create a cooler, greener city. 🌳
How changing L.A.’s tree rules could cool more neighborhoods
USC Dornsife study finds outdated guidelines limit tree growth, especially in lower-income neighborhoods, and offers a solution
dornsife.usc.edu
April 2, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Our latest USC Urban Trees Initiative study found that LA has stricter rules for where/what can go into the public right of way than nearly any other comparable cities. In many instances, these arcane rules are what is restricting tree planting in the places that need it most.
Oh look - we made it! pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/03/26/c...
California solar on canals initiative moves forward
The California Solar Canal Initiative project aims to use information gained in a University of California, Merced study and begin to identify communities willing to generate electricity with solar ar...
pv-magazine-usa.com
March 26, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Oh look - we made it! pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/03/26/c...
Reposted by Monica Dean
Seven leading research universities are collaborating to advance solar arrays over California’s canals.
Full press release: drive.google.com/file/d/17qFI...
Full press release: drive.google.com/file/d/17qFI...
March 25, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Seven leading research universities are collaborating to advance solar arrays over California’s canals.
Full press release: drive.google.com/file/d/17qFI...
Full press release: drive.google.com/file/d/17qFI...
Bringing together some of my favorite people including
@rbalesuc.bsky.social @briantarrojaphd.bsky.social @dustinmulvaney.bsky.social @feliciamarcus.bsky.social @kategordon.bsky.social @solaraquagrid.bsky.social
This effort is all about how we get BIG THINGS done in CA.
@rbalesuc.bsky.social @briantarrojaphd.bsky.social @dustinmulvaney.bsky.social @feliciamarcus.bsky.social @kategordon.bsky.social @solaraquagrid.bsky.social
This effort is all about how we get BIG THINGS done in CA.
March 25, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Bringing together some of my favorite people including
@rbalesuc.bsky.social @briantarrojaphd.bsky.social @dustinmulvaney.bsky.social @feliciamarcus.bsky.social @kategordon.bsky.social @solaraquagrid.bsky.social
This effort is all about how we get BIG THINGS done in CA.
@rbalesuc.bsky.social @briantarrojaphd.bsky.social @dustinmulvaney.bsky.social @feliciamarcus.bsky.social @kategordon.bsky.social @solaraquagrid.bsky.social
This effort is all about how we get BIG THINGS done in CA.
What happens when 7 universities & 3 state agencies join forces to save water, land, and generate renewable energy at scale? The #CaliforniaSolarCanalInitiative
bit.ly/CASolarCanals
bit.ly/CASolarCanals
March 25, 2025 at 4:53 PM
What happens when 7 universities & 3 state agencies join forces to save water, land, and generate renewable energy at scale? The #CaliforniaSolarCanalInitiative
bit.ly/CASolarCanals
bit.ly/CASolarCanals
Not outsourcing at the request of govt - but FEMA/Army Corps left LA after the wildfires before testing soil for contaminants. Leaving residents unable to go home. USC announced today new free lead testing: dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories...
Free soil testing for lead helps L.A. residents after wildfires
Those affected by L.A. wildfires can submit soil for testing courtesy of USC Dornsife Public Exchange’s project assessing contamination
dornsife.usc.edu
March 20, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Not outsourcing at the request of govt - but FEMA/Army Corps left LA after the wildfires before testing soil for contaminants. Leaving residents unable to go home. USC announced today new free lead testing: dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories...
Super proud of our new USC Urban Trees Initiative study, but even more proud that Dr. Berelson scored the quote of the year - 'L.A. trees are kicking ass'.
It's no substitute for reducing our carbon consumption, but our new study finds trees in Los Angeles are surprisingly good at absorbing the carbon dioxide we spew into the air. @latimes.com reports:
‘L.A. trees are kicking ass.' Urban plants capture more CO2 than expected, study finds
A researcher tracking CO2 emissions across a swath of the city says trees are ‘uncanny’ air cleaners.
www.latimes.com
March 19, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Super proud of our new USC Urban Trees Initiative study, but even more proud that Dr. Berelson scored the quote of the year - 'L.A. trees are kicking ass'.
@tdiliberto.bsky.social is one of the most dedicated public servants I have ever met. His firing is not only a loss for NOAA, but for all Americans.
"I started working at NOAA as a contractor in 2010. I finally became a fed in 2023. I was 14 days away from my probationary period when I was fired on Thursday." - NOAA climate scientist Tom Di Liberto
March 3, 2025 at 4:26 PM
@tdiliberto.bsky.social is one of the most dedicated public servants I have ever met. His firing is not only a loss for NOAA, but for all Americans.
👋 former negotiator here. US has a hard time engaging on text outcomes at CBD due to non-party status. The big impact here is actually the $$. US *was largest donor for global biodi - but most was just cut (USAID/GEF/TF CCA) with foreign aid freeze
NEW: The UN has confirmed to me that there are no US officials present at #COP16 in Rome
US is not signed up to the UN biodiversity convention, but usually attends to participate in negotiations
To my best of my knowledge, this is the first time the US has been missing at biodiversity talks
US is not signed up to the UN biodiversity convention, but usually attends to participate in negotiations
To my best of my knowledge, this is the first time the US has been missing at biodiversity talks
February 27, 2025 at 2:01 PM
👋 former negotiator here. US has a hard time engaging on text outcomes at CBD due to non-party status. The big impact here is actually the $$. US *was largest donor for global biodi - but most was just cut (USAID/GEF/TF CCA) with foreign aid freeze
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Fed Resource Directory
bit.ly
February 26, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Submitted to bit.ly/fedresourcedirectory