John Abatzoglou

John Abatzoglou is a Professor in the Department of Management of Complex Systems at the University of California, Merced. His work focuses on the intersection of climate change, wildfire dynamics, and environmental systems. He investigates how climatic factors influence fire regimes, hydrological processes, agricultural sustainability, and ecosystem resilience. His research often integrates geospatial data, climate projections, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address real-world challenges such as water security and disaster risk reduction.

Key research themes include wildfire risk assessment, climate change impacts on ecosystems, and the socio-economic dimensions of environmental management. He has developed influential models like the Western United States Large Forest-Fire Stochastic Simulator (WULFFSS) to predict fire behavior under changing climates. His work also examines the compounding effects of climate change and urban expansion on wildfire vulnerability, particularly in California.

Abatzoglou’s publications highlight linkages between anthropogenic climate change and extreme events such as prolonged droughts, heatwaves, and elevated wildfire emissions. He emphasizes the need for adaptive strategies in water resource management, agricultural practices, and wildfire mitigation. His findings are frequently cited in policy discussions regarding climate adaptation and environmental governance.

Notable contributions include studies on the role of vapor pressure deficit in fire regimes, the economic impacts of drought on agriculture, and the evaluation of seasonal climate forecasts for rangeland management. His research bridges global climate patterns with local-scale management decisions, offering actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners.