Green burials adapt to protect ‘death care’ workers in the time of pandemic
LOS ANGELES – The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the safety of morticians and other death care workers. Green burials are adapting to changes, allowing body bags to be buried and discouraging embalming for the safety of death care workers.
Plan to ‘revive’ uranium mining called unneeded, unwanted by advocates
PHOENIX - Environmentalists are blasting a Trump administration call for "bold action to revive and strengthen the uranium mining industry," an industry whose history they say has left a "toxic trail" through the Grand Canyon.
‘Borrowing from the future’: What an emerging megadrought means for the Southwest
PHOENIX – A new report finds the period from 2000 through 2018 was the driest 19-year span since the late 1500s, and humans are partly to blame.
With much of the planet on lockdown, Earth Day goes digital
PHOENIX – The 50th anniversary of Earth Day looks a little different because of COVID-19, but that isn’t stopping Arizona environmental groups from celebrating.
Feeding sea urchins could be one way to restore the West Coast’s vital kelp forests
LOS ANGELES – The purple sea urchin population decimated kelp forests on the West Coast, where researchers are working to bring the creatures under control and supply them to restaurants around the world.
Feds kill 4 Mexican gray wolves, days after announcing population gains
PHOENIX - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service authorized the killing of four endangered Mexican gray wolves in New Mexico during one week in late March, a move conservation groups call a significant setback to wolf recovery.
Dairy farmers forced to adjust their practices during COVID-19 pandemic
The dairy industry has been forced to resort to extreme practices to offset sales lost because restaurants and schools have been shut down to stop the spread of novel coronavirus.
Myth is reality: Discovery of bald eagles nesting in a saguaro confirms longtime speculation
PHOENIX – Biologists have documented the first sighting in decades of bald eagles nesting in the arms of a saguaro cactus near an undisclosed reservoir.
EPA won’t expand pollutant rule; ‘mistake’ during COVID-19, critics say
PHOENIX - The Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday it will not expand Obama-era air quality standards, a move environmentalists call "the wrong thing to be doing" during a global pandemic that threatens lung health.
Prescott’s bid to draw more groundwater could threaten Verde River
PRESCOTT – In the wake of a growing population and planned housing developments, the Prescott City Council has proposed a water policy it says would provide water for the city’s current and future residents.
Urban farm provides homeless shelter residents with good food and opportunities
LOS ANGELES – An urban farm in Los Angeles provides food, therapy and paid job training for residents of a homeless shelter across the street. Called Grow Good, this nonprofit organization offers an innovative solution to homelessness, helping the city’s underserved individuals gain their independence once again.
COVID-19 fears close Grand Canyon National Park after weeks of pressure
PHOENIX - The National Park Service abruptly closed Grand Canyon National Park on Wednesday, bowing to weeks of pressure after health officials expressed "extreme concern" about the potential for spread of COVID-19 in the park.
