California's New Science Advisor Takes on Environmental Challenges

California is stepping up its game in tackling environmental issues. A new role has been created to make sure science plays a big part in decision-making. Dr. Andrew D. Jones has been appointed as the first Science Advisor to the California Natural Resources Secretary. This is all part of a new program by the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST). Dr. Jones is no stranger to big environmental issues. He works at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and teaches at UC Berkeley. His job now is to advise on things like climate change, wildfires, and water management. He'll be working closely with the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) to make sure science is at the heart of their policies.The goal is to make sure California's policies are based on solid science. Dr. Jones will be connecting scientists and policymakers to tackle these complex issues. This is a big deal because it shows how important science is in making decisions that affect everyone. The program is supported by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. They believe this kind of partnership can make a real difference. It's all about using science to protect California and its people. This is just the start. The CCST plans to embed more scientists in government roles. The hope is that this will lead to better, more informed decisions. It's a big step towards a more sustainable future for California.