Education

PhD, Physical Geography, Peking University, 2019

BA, Geography, Wuhan University, 2014

Research

Tropical terrestrial ecosystem, ecohydrology, wildfires, climate extremes, Earth system models, natural climate solutions, land use

Selected Publications

Li, Y, Tang G, O’Rourke E, Minallah S, e Braga MM, Nowicki S, Smith RS, Lawrence DM, Hurtt GC, Peano D, Meyer G, Hassler B, Mao J, Xue Y, Juckes M. (2025) “CMIP7 Data Request: Land and Land Ice Priorities and Opportunities.” EGUsphere. preprint [Read online]

Li, Y. (2024) “Climate feedback from plant physiological responses to increasing atmospheric CO₂ in Earth system models.” New Phytologist. [Read online, PDF]

Li, Y, Baker J, Brando P, Hoffman F, Lawrence D, Morton D, Swann A, Uribe M, Randerson J. (2023) “Future increases Amazonia water stress from CO₂ physiology and deforestation.” Nature Water, 1, 769-777. [Read online]

Li, Y, Brando P, Morton D, Lawrence D, Yang H, Randerson J. (2022). “Deforestation-induced climate change reduces carbon storage in remaining tropical forests.” Nat. Commun. 13, 1964. [NCC Highlight]

Li, Y, Randerson J, Mahowald N, Lawrence P. (2021). “Deforestation Strengthens Atmospheric Transport of Mineral Dust and Phosphorus from North Africa to the Amazon.” J. Clim. 34, 6087-6096.

Li, Y, Piao S, Chen A, Ciais P, Li LZX. (2020). “Local and Teleconnected Temperature Effects of Afforestation and Vegetation Greening in China.” Natl. Sci. Rev. 7, 897-912.

Lian X, Piao S, Li LZ, Li Y, et al. (2020). “Summer soil drying exacerbated by earlier spring greening of northern vegetation.” Sci. Adv. 6, eaax0255.

Li X, Li, Y, Chen A, Gao M, Slette IJ, & Piao S. (2019). “The impact of the 2009/2010 drought on vegetation growth and terrestrial carbon balance in Southwest China.” Agr. For. Meteorol. 269, 239-248.

Li, Y, Zeng Z, Huang L, Lian X, Piao S. (2018). “Comment on “Satellites reveal contrasting responses of regional climate to the widespread greening of Earth””. Science 360, aap7950.

Li, Y, Piao S, Li LZX, Chen A, Wang X, Ciais P, Huang L, Lian X, Peng S, Zeng Z, Wang K, Zhou L. (2018). “Divergent hydrological response to large-scale afforestation and vegetation greening in China.” Sci. Adv. 4, aar4182.

Grants & Awards

2025-2026 UCLA Society of Hellman Fellows award

Finalist of the 2024 New Phytologist Tansley Medal Competition for excellence in plant science

Global Highly Cited Researcher Award by Clarivate Analytics, 2021, 2022, 2024

Andrew Slater Award from National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), 2021

Courses & Presentations

GEOG115 Natural Climate Solutions

GEOG120 Hydrology

GEOG M131 Human Impact on Biophysical Environment

GEOG255 Physical Basis of Geography

GEOG256 Regional Climate and Terrestrial Surface Processes