Due to severe drought, irrigation allotments were decreased to lowest amounts in history.
Climate change
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California orders Nestlé to stop siphoning spring water
The world’s largest food and beverage company is accused of taking millions more gallons than it is entitled to.
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There are no clear winners in the West’s water wars
As climate stressors raise the stakes, states put energy into litigation before conservation.
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Haaland kicks off tenure focusing on climate and environmental injustice
The new Interior secretary issued orders to create a Climate Task Force at the agency and to prioritize the social costs of greenhouse gases.
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Tribal nations adapt to being at ‘ground zero’ of the climate crisis
‘Tribes are on the front line of fixing things, using our resources, setting good public policy [and using] good science.’
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What the narwhal can tell us about the climate crisis
An analysis of the species’ 10-foot-long tusk shows an accumulation of mercury and a change in diet as sea ice retreats.
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Study finds wildfire caused massive bird die-off
Research using crowdsourced data found a correlation with the birds’ deaths, nearby fires and toxic air.
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Threatened species and how we might save them
Michelle Nijhuis details history’s successes as a road map for today’s conservationists in her new book ‘Beloved Beasts.’
Posted inMay 1, 2021: Beauty and Biodiversity in the Borderlands
Has Eugene, Oregon, found a ‘superpower’ for climate action?
The city’s eyeing changes to its natural gas contract to fund climate ambitions.
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Can cloud seeding help the West’s drought?
States consider weather modification to make it rain.
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Study looks at covering California’s canals with solar panels
Covering waterways would save water and provide electricity, among other benefits.
Posted inMay 1, 2021: Beauty and Biodiversity in the Borderlands
Geographer Diana Liverman explains how to tackle the climate crisis fairly
The first step? Don’t panic.
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Megadrought: New Mexico farms face uncertain future
‘If they have an option to not farm, they should consider that option.’
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Butterflies in the West are disappearing
The climate crisis has caused a steep decline in butterfly sightings in the Rocky Mountain range.
Posted inApril 1, 2021: Holding Fast
Idaho state lands could end up in private hands
How a developer’s proposed large land swap ignited a fight in small but growing McCall.
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Wildfires may have unexpected climate impacts
Wyoming researchers find current models may underestimate how smoke blocks sunlight and cools the planet.
Posted inMarch 1, 2021: The Rough Road Ahead
Will the climate crisis tap out the Colorado River?
Water availability is going from bad to worse in the seven states that rely on the drought-stricken river.
Posted inMarch 1, 2021: The Rough Road Ahead
Despite discrimination and drought, Punjabi Americans farm on
As America’s food basket dries out, Punjabi American growers fear the loss of their hard-earned farmlands.
Posted inApril 1, 2021: Holding Fast
How to reverse Trump’s harmful legacy on conservation
President Biden is off to a good start, but there is much to be done. The Restoration Project has a blueprint.
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Biden halted border wall construction. Now what?
Environmental and human rights advocates hope to steer the administration toward a new vision at the border.