Education

Ph.D. in Physical Geography, Peking University, 2019

B.S. in 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, Mas e Braga M, Nowicki S, Smith RS, Lawrence DM, Hurtt GC, Peano D, Meyer G, Hassler B, Mao J, Xue Y, Juckes M. (2026) “CMIP7 data request: land and land ice priorities and opportunities.” Geoscientific Model Development. 19, 3129–3155. [Read online, PDF]

Li, Y. (2024) “Climate feedback from plant physiological responses to increasing atmospheric CO₂ in Earth system models.” New Phytologist. [Read online, PDF] (WILEY 2025 top-viewed article)

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, 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.

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

2026-2027 UC Early Career Faculty Research Excellence Award

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, 2025

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