The rattling trumpet call of sandhill cranes echoed throughout the Rio Grande Valley in central New Mexico this February. The flocks began to make their ascent into the sky, circling to gain altitude and then heading north. The cranes’ early departure — driven by climate change — reveals one of the many challenges of adapting […]
Climate change
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Five sea level rise studies that could help cities plan for climate change
A slew of research points to rapidly rising oceans. How will the West Coast adapt?
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Clean Power Plan stay spurs enviros into action
The unexpected stay, plus attempts to block Obama from appointing a Supreme Court justice, energized greens.
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The disappearing wetlands in California’s Central Valley
Where water is scarce, waterbirds pay the price.
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In Utah, a massive water project is gaining ground
The project could divert 86,000 acre-feet from Lake Powell to the retirement community of St. George.
Posted inFebruary 22, 2016: Fractured
A dry future weighs heavy on California agriculture
Something’s got to give in Central Valley farming. The only question is what.
Posted inFebruary 22, 2016: Fractured
Scientists dig up the past in packrat middens
The animals’ sturdy nests can preserve clues about the climate for 50,000 years or more.
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Invasive plants beat natives in climate adaptation race
In California, native and endemic plants are slower to shift their ranges in response to climate change, a study shows.
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California Coastal Commission fires its executive director
The decision exposes the quintessential coastline to damage, development and closures.
Posted inFebruary 2, 2016: Sagebrush Insurgency
In Washington, activists and the ‘necessity defense’ on trial
The ‘Delta 5’ made a legal and moral case for their actions, with mixed results.
Posted inFebruary 2, 2016: Sagebrush Insurgency
In ‘Gold Fame Citrus,’ the nascent genre of cli-fi looks to California
A new climate change novel predicts a dystopian West of sand and refugees.
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Forest Service leaves control of water rights to ski resorts
How does industry control of water affect public land management?
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How do we define climate pollution’s cost to society?
Every year, the government recalculates how much money a metric ton of carbon costs us.
Posted inJanuary 25, 2016: The Forever War
Montana rancher looks to the past to prepare for tomorrow’s climate
Can re-engineering the family ranch help it survive climate change?
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BLM proposes rules for oil and gas methane emissions
The rule will help conserve natural gas and mitigate pollution, targeting 100,000 existing wells.
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Shifts toward clean energy threaten Montana coal town
Washington and Oregon utilities consider pulling out of Colstrip’s power station.
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Dispatch from Blockadia
Where enviros are uniting with social justice and tribal rights activists in the Northwest to stop new fossil fuel development.
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Massive leaks are an everyday occurrence in gas fields
California’s Aliso Canyon is a reminder that methane emissions are widespread, poorly regulated — and ongoing.
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How to shelter mountain streams in a changing world
Can cold waters protect native fish from the worst of climate change?
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How some Western cities are leading on climate action
Despite faltering national policy, some communities are forging ahead.