Debates on Draft: “Wildfire in California”

Wildfire in California: A Debate presented by NCEAS & the UCSB Affiliates

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

6:00 PM at Validation Ale (Funk Zone)

Register here!

Ever wondered what the future of California’s wildfire management actually looks like? We’re bringing together two top experts to debate the following question: Will wildfire be embraced as normal in California?

After the debate, the audience will join the conversation, ask questions, and vote on who made the most convincing argument.

Meet our debaters:

Ben Halpern, NCEAS Director

• Marine ecologist and professor at UCSB’s Bren School

• Leads global research on ocean management and conservation

• Work includes marine protected areas (MPAs), Human impact on oceans, and the Ocean Health Index

Max Moritz, Cooperative Extension Specialist in Fire

• Adjunct professor at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management

• An affiliate of the Earth Research Institute & the Wildfire Resilience Initiative

• Early work focused on chaparral shrublands in the Santa Barbara region

Since 1995, the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) has been a global leader in environmental data science—ranking in the top 1% of ecological research institutions. We accelerate discoveries that deepen understanding of our planet and drive solutions for people and nature.

Learn more at nceas.ucsb.edu

The UCSB Affiliates is led by a volunteer board of community members and campus representatives passionate about creating innovative and community- centered programming. The goal of the UCSB Affiliates is to build and celebrate connections between UC Santa Barbara and the greater Santa Barbara community. We provide a pathway for community members to learn more about UC Santa Barbara and participate in campus activities. Through our events and newsletters, we highlight exciting campus-community partnerships and initiatives.

Learn more at communityrelations.ucsb.edu/ucsb-affiliates