As Santo Domingo develops, vulnerable people are left behind
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – As the Dominican Republic invests in development and climate resiliency, government projects aimed at improving quality of life and guarding against climate change are having a negative effect on some of the very people they were designed to help.
Fighting fire with fire: How prescribed burns protect forests in northern Arizona
WILLIAMS – The Kendrick Prescribed Fire Project was one of the first of many prescribed burns this fall and winter throughout Arizona with the goal of protecting forest lands and surrounding communities from the threat of potential catastrophic wildfires. The prescribed burns in Kaibab National Forest are part of the U.S. Forest Service’s 10-year wildfire crisis strategy.
That green lawn may not be so green: Gas-powered mowers are heavy polluters
WASHINGTON - Gas-powered lawn equipment in Arizona emitted 445,908 tons of carbon dioxide in 2020, the polluting equivalent of putting 98,162 cars on the road, according to a new report.
River reprieve: Wet winter, conservation deal ease Colorado planning for now
A wet winter and a temporary water conservation agreement have eased some pressure on Colorado River policymakers, which is reflected in a new Bureau of Reclamation proposal that says the risk of critically low reservoirs remains but is "much lower."
Trees Matter gives out free trees to increase Valley canopy coverage
PHOENIX – Trees Matter held a free tree distribution event alongside SRP earlier this month. They gave out free, desert-tolerant trees and shared education about tree planting.
Flagstaff devotes thousands of tax dollars to urban beautification programs to ‘enliven the city’
FLAGSTAFF – The city of Flagstaff Beautification & Public Art Commission devotes thousands of tax dollars to urban beautification programs to enhance community aesthetics. Programs include wrapping utility cabinets with colorful artwork and potting flowers downtown.
‘Not normal at all’: Rising temperatures threaten saguaros, other native plants
Saguaros, agave and more native plants are feeling the effects of Phoenix’s record-breaking hot summer, which is increasingly common. As trees and plants die, scientists are assisting their evolutionary adaptability and working on new solutions.
‘Scoping’ results show new Colorado River rules will face a range of demands
A new federal government report shows Colorado River states are aiming to agree on a plan to cut back on water, but remain divided about how to share the shrinking supply among tens of millions across the Southwest.
Thousands gather in Flagstaff to witness annular solar eclipse
FLAGSTAFF — The annular solar eclipse on Saturday drew large crowds to the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.
Water catchments across Arizona provide drinking water for wildlife
CAREFREE – Agencies such as Arizona Game and Fish maintain water catchments across the state. The agency noted wildlife used the catchments heavily amid record-breaking heat over the summer.
Phoenix funding trees and shade structures for underserved communities
PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix’s Office of Heat Response and Mitigation is working to fund trees and shade structures for qualified census tracts. Schools and neighborhoods can apply for funds to increase shade cover, in line with the city’s Tree and Shade Master Plan, which aims to increase city canopy coverage to roughly 25% by 2030.
Arizona’s extreme heat threatens ‘spectacular migrations’ of butterflies
SCOTTSDALE – Arizona experienced extreme heat this summer, which may affect butterfly migratory patterns. The prolonged heat means less food for butterflies and caterpillars.
