Daniel Swain: A Leading Voice in Climate Science and Communication

Dr. Daniel Swain stands as a prominent figure in climate science, particularly recognized for his research on extreme weather events and his exceptional ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to the public. His work focuses on the dynamics and impacts of droughts, floods, storms, and wildfires on a warming planet. Swain's dedication to bridging the gap between scientific research and public understanding has made him a trusted voice in discussions about climate change and its effects.

Professional Appointments and Affiliations

Daniel Swain holds several prestigious appointments that reflect the breadth and depth of his expertise. He is a research scientist within UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, a research fellow in the Capacity Center for Climate and Weather Extremes at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and the California Climate Fellow at The Nature Conservancy. He also holds a joint appointment as a climate scientist within the California Institute for Water Resources within University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR). These roles allow him to conduct cutting-edge research while also engaging in practical conservation and policy initiatives.

Bridging Science and the Public

Swain is distinguished by his extensive engagement with journalists and other media partners. He serves as a climate and weather science liaison to print, radio, television, and web media outlets, facilitating accessible and accurate coverage of climate change. This dedication to public communication is evident in the more than 1,100 hours he spends each year explaining the science behind extreme weather events and how climate change is exacerbating them.

Weather West Blog and Social Media Presence

Daniel Swain authors the Weather West blog, which has provided unique perspectives on California weather and climate since 2006, reaching millions with its real-time analysis and insights. His weekly Weather West "office hours" on YouTube are public and interactive, functioning as de facto press conferences where he addresses current weather events and climate-related questions. Additionally, his tweets reach an audience of approximately 40 million people per year. His Weather West blog and his approachable “office hours” on his YouTube channel are where he breaks down climate science and the causes of extreme weather in plain language.

A "Climate Communicator"

Swain identifies himself as a "climate communicator," a role that lacks a traditional job description or funding source. Despite this, he has become a go-to expert for media outlets like The New York Times, CNN, and BBC, who frequently seek his insights on breaking climate and weather-related news. In 2023 alone, he gave nearly 300 media interviews, often at unconventional hours.

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Research Focus: Extreme Weather Events

Swain's research investigates how extreme events like floods, droughts, and wildfires are changing in a warming climate, and what actions can be taken to mitigate their impacts. His work often involves connecting the dots between climate change and specific weather disasters, providing a clear and accessible explanation of the complex relationships at play.

The "Ridiculously Resilient Ridge"

One of Swain's most notable contributions is the concept of the "Ridiculously Resilient Ridge" (RRR), a term he coined to describe a persistent ridge of high pressure that blocked weather fronts from bringing rain into California during the record-setting drought that began in 2012. This term, initially used tongue-in-cheek, gained widespread recognition and even has its own Wikipedia page. The RRR refers to a persistent ridge of high pressure caused by unusual oceanic warmth in the western tropical Pacific Ocean.

Predicting Precipitation Volatility

Using atmospheric modeling, Swain predicted in a Nature Climate Change study that there would be a significant increase in extreme dry-to-wet precipitation events. His research analyzes how these events are stressing California’s water storage and flood control infrastructure.

Personal Challenges and Motivations

Swain's dedication to his work is particularly remarkable given his personal challenges. He has posted online about his chronic health condition, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a heritable connective tissue disease that results in fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and injuries. Managing this condition requires careful attention to his schedule and physical activity.

Despite these challenges, Swain remains motivated by the urgent need for climate scientists to communicate with the world. He believes that scientists have a responsibility to translate their research into actionable information for the public and policymakers.

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Recognition and Impact

Daniel Swain's contributions to climate science and communication have garnered significant recognition. He was included in the 2025 TIME100 Next list, which highlights rising stars who are shaping the future. Michael E. Mann, a distinguished professor of atmospheric science, lauded Swain for his ability to explain climate science to the public, especially during extreme weather events.

Swain was also named to the 2025 Grist 50 list, which recognizes innovative climate leaders driving real-world impact. Grist noted that Swain has prioritized public engagement over pursuing tenure, demonstrating his commitment to disseminating scientific knowledge.

Glenda Humiston, UC vice president for Agriculture and Natural Resources, emphasized the importance of Swain's work, stating that his research and communication skills are crucial for communities in California and across the globe.

Key Research Areas and Publications

Swain's research spans a wide range of topics related to extreme weather and climate change. Some of his key publications include:

Climate change is increasing the risk of a California Megaflood: This study, published in Science Advances, highlights the growing threat of extreme precipitation events in California.
Increasing precipitation volatility in twenty-first-century California: Published in Nature Climate Change, this paper examines the increasing swings between extreme dry and wet conditions in California.
Climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme autumn wildfire conditions across California: This research, published in Environmental Research Letters, explores the impact of climate change on wildfire risk in California.
Anthropogenic warming has increased drought risk in California: This study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides evidence that human-caused warming has increased the risk of drought in California.

The Urgency of Climate Communication

Swain emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change and the critical need for scientists to engage with the public. He believes that the present moment is a pivotal one, with decisions made now having long-lasting consequences for the Earth's system.

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He advocates for greater institutional support for climate communication, arguing that scientists have a responsibility to distill complex issues and provide the information needed to make informed decisions.

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