Mystery of the monarchs: Western butterfly populations stage remarkable comeback
Monarch populations have been rocky over the past two decades but this year, thousands of monarch butterflies migrated west. Scientists still don’t understand why the population changes dramatically each year, but they still are urging people to make conservation efforts.
Uranium mine near Grand Canyon permitted by court, despite mining ban
WASHINGTON - A federal court ruled Tuesday that a uranium mine near the Grand Canyon can operate, even though it sits on 1 million acres that the federal government has declared off-limits to new mining.
Backyard birds: Annual count uses citizen scientists to take snapshots of U.S. populations
MESA – Backyard biodiversity and citizen science collide at the Great Backyard Bird Count, when seasoned and fledgling birders take to their backyards, parks, nature preserves and the wilderness to share their sightings with scientists. For Arizona, the annual count gives us a snapshot of what species are here before migration starts this spring.
Crop talk: UArizona scientists learning how plants communicate with their environment
TUCSON – Scientists at the University of Arizona are testing how plants respond to their environment. Their goal is to engineer plants so they can withstand the effects of climate change.
Climate data reveals a hotter, drier Arizona, with more extremes possible
PHOENIX – NOAA’s 2022 Arizona Climate Summary says the state got hotter and rainfall remained highly variable from 2017-20. This might not sound like news, but experts say we need to take a closer look at the changes – especially increased nighttime temperatures in metro Phoenix.
Report says drought may be worst in 1,200 years, little relief in sight
WASHINGTON - The megadrought that’s gripped Arizona and the Southwest since 2000 is the driest in more than 1,200 years, and it is likely to continue for the near future, according to a new report.
Electric jolt: Arizona to get millions to develop EV-charging network
WASHINGTON - Arizona stands to get up to $76.5 million over the next five years to develop electric vehicle charging stations along interstate corridors, in hopes of increasing EV ownership by reducing range anxiety for drivers.
Tribal official calls on Congress to fund ‘critical’ water infrastructure
WASHINGTON - The chairman of the Pascua Yaqui told a House subcommittee Tuesday that tribes need more federal support to implement “critical” water infrastructure projects on their lands, and that includes funding as well as better communication with tribes.
Feds – again – deny endangered species status to Sonoran desert tortoise
WASHINGTON – The Sonoran desert tortoise has been denied endangered species status for a second time after a 14-year battle waged by advocates to protect the “ancient, iconic species of the desert.”
Wildfire restoration efforts bring back native plants and wildlife
The National Park Service has teamed up with organizations to plant 100,000 species of trees and other plants, restoring Santa Monica Mountains National Park lands after wildfires. To take care of California’s natural ecosystem, the NPS is keeping its focus on native species.
Antitrust suit can proceed against SRP over charges to solar customers
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said Monday that SRP customers who also have solar panels at their homes can pursue an antitrust claim against the utility for a policy of charging them more than other customers.
An incoming storm: Athletes, sports organizations ‘moving the needle’ in climate change action
PHOENIX – Professional athletes and teams across the globe have been proactive in the fight against climate change. Sports contribute largely to carbon emission, and athletes taking the cause into their own hands is happening more often.
