Watch: Hydro-economic models (HEMs) to examine impacts of climate extremes in California agriculture
In case you missed it, find here the recording of the seminar presentation held 6 August 2025.
Speaker: Prof. Josué Medellín-Azuara | Associate Director: University of California (UC) Agricultural Issues Center and agronomist, UC Merced Agricultural Experimental Station, United States. Moderator: Dr Mehdi Nemati | School of Public Policy at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), United States.
California’s agricultural productivity relies on its Mediterranean climate, characterised by a dry season suitable for irrigation and a wet season that replenishes surface water. However, precipitation patterns have become increasingly volatile, and temperatures are rising – trends projected to intensify throughout this century. These changes threaten both water supplies and crop yields. We apply hydro-economic models (HEMs) to evaluate the impacts of climate-induced water supply volatility and temperature-driven yield reductions across California’s Central Valley, coastal regions and the Colorado River basin. We also assess water management strategies that can mitigate economic losses, ensuring greater resilience for irrigated agriculture and regional economies under climate stress. More
This seminar is part of the UCT-UCR Seminar Series: Water Economics and Politics, a collaboration between the University of Cape Town (UCT) and University of California, Riverside (UCR). Subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates on upcoming sessions.