‘What is your climate future?’ How tarot card readings could ease ‘eco-anxiety’
Artist and Arizona State University professor Adriene Jenik thought giving tarot card readings on climate change was “nutty.” But scientists supported her, and now she’s given thousands of ECOtarot readings all over the world to address eco-anxiety.
Can a MechanicalTree remove enough carbon to slow climate change?
TEMPE – Engineers at Arizona State University have worked on a MechanicalTree that passively collects and repurposes carbon from the atmosphere. With carbon emissions continuing to rise, they view this tree as a potential solution to slow climate change.
Federal government rolls out ‘extraordinary actions’ to prop up Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced two measures Tuesday to boost water levels in Lake Powell, keeping them high enough to continue generating hydropower at the Glen Canyon Dam. But experts say the new federal plans might not be enough – even for a short-term fix.
Sustainable in Sedona: As tourism rises, city’s free shuttles ease parking problems
SEDONA – Tourists looking for outdoor activities with social distancing flocked to Sedona during the pandemic, adding to traffic congestion and prompting the city to expedite plans to make its tourism more sustainable, including a shuttle for hikers and deterrents to off-road vehicles in certain places.
Growers turn to innovative solutions to curb rising beehive thefts
KINGSBURG, Calif. – Over a third of the country's vegetables and two-thirds of its fruits and nuts are grown in California, and many crops depend on bees to produce food. Honeybees routinely are transported farm-to-farm to do their job of pollination. But this year alone, 1,169 beehives have been reported stolen or vandalized in California.
States, feds weigh next steps amid ‘profound concerns’ over dam levels
WASHINGTON - Federal officials say they are in uncharted territory with their plan to sharply cut releases from Lake Powell, as they scramble to find ways to protect water supplies and power generation by propping up lake levels that have fallen to historic lows.
Colorado, San Pedro make annual list of ‘most endangered’ U.S. rivers
WASHINGTON – Two Arizona rivers landed on an annual list of the top 10 "most endangered" rivers in the U.S. this week, including the drought-ravaged Colorado in the No. 1 spot. The San Pedro River was in eighth place due to groundwater pumping that threatens the river.
State of the Air report ranks Phoenix among 25 worst U.S. cities for pollution
PHOENIX – The latest State of the Air report from the American Lung Association gives Maricopa County a failing grade for air pollution, and found that 84% of Arizonans live in areas with high-risk of unhealthy air.
Sustainable drip: How some Arizona businesses are making fashion less polluting
PHOENIX – Fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world, second only to oil production. The nonprofit FABRIC and the Arizona Sustainable Apparel Association are guiding small businesses to adopt sustainable, ethical values from the start.
Women’s group works to eliminate food insecurities in south Phoenix
PHOENIX – A group of women helped develop the Phoenix Food Action Plan, which works to eliminate food deserts in Phoenix and improve accessibility to healthful, affordable food.
Buffelgrass: The scourge of the Sonoran Desert is here to stay
PHOENIX — Buffelgrass is here to stay, but experts and volunteers alike said they are getting a better handle on managing it in the Sonoran Desert. This highly invasive weed fills in the natural gaps between native desert plants like saguaros, threatening their survival and increasing the risk of wildfire damage. As wildfire seasons continue to expand, getting buffelgrass under control becomes increasingly important.
Maya’s Farm first to be saved by Phoenix Farmland Preservation Program
PHOENIX – Three years ago, Maya Dailey risked losing the urban farmland she had spent seven years renting and cultivating. A conservation easement through Phoenix’s new Farmland Preservation Program, managed by the Central Arizona Land Trust, saved Maya’s Farm.