Forest health in Arizona: Stressed by drought and pests, trees are losing resilience to changing climate
FLAGSTAFF – Many of Arizona’s forests and woodlands are in bad shape, experts say. They’re overgrown, stressed by drought and facing increased threats from wildfires. But stakeholders across the state are collaborating to restore the forests to health. Take a walk in the woods in the Coconino National Forest to see for yourself.
‘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.
Time, tradition and trust: The Navajo Nation takes on climate change
PHOENIX – The United Nation’s recent assessment of climate science found that immediate action is needed to reduce greenhouse gasses. That’s something the Navajo Nation is working to address through science, trust and time.
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.
How climate change is forcing Arizona wine growers to adapt their practices
CAMP VERDE – As temperatures rise, solar indexes intensify and weather patterns shift in Arizona, winemakers are grappling with how to adapt to climate change’s impact on their operations.
Here’s what you need to know about Phoenix’s Climate Action Plan
PHOENIX – Phoenix has updated its plan to achieve the city’s goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, along with plans to address extreme heat, drought, poor air quality and other issues stemming from climate change.
Joshua trees are first plant to get California protections because of climate change
JOSHUA TREE, Calif. – Joshua trees have interim protections in California under the state’s Endangered Species Act, but the threat of climate change and wildfires could wipe out most of the population of the iconic yuccas.
Drier springs produce hotter summers in the withering Southwest, study says
Warmer air holds more moisture, but over the past decades in the U.S. Southwest, humidity has decreased as temperatures have risen, which robs soil of its moisture. A new study by UCLA researchers paints a grim picture for the future.
Hot, dry forecast offers little hope for relief as wildfires rage
WASHINGTON - A half-dozen wildfires were burning close to 140,000 acres across Arizona Tuesday and growing, as heat, wind and drought conditions complicated firefighting efforts, officials said.
Oklahoma tribe volunteers pass out food boxes, supplies amid harsh winter weather
CARNEGIE – In sub-freezing weather conditions, more than 20 Kiowa tribal employees in Oklahoma volunteered to hand out food boxes for those in need.
Lakes Mead and Powell could drop to lowest ever; Colorado River drought plan triggered
A recent federal forecast predicts one of the Colorado River’s biggest reservoirs, Lake Powell, will dip below a critical threshold within the next two years. That projection forces several states to start planning for an even drier future.
