I talked to scientists about what’s likely to be the worst possible scenario for drought on the Colorado River and gamed out some of the most critical impacts on the 40 million people that depend on it
Melting from below
A couple recent studies revealed new details about ice loss in the Arctic and Antarctic. It turns out ice sheets and ice shelves are losing mass from below, hidden from view, faster than expected.
COP OUT
I attended the COP26 climate negotiations in Glasgow, Scotland. It turned out to be one of the most eventful meetings ever, but still far short of what’s needed to keep climate change in check.
Ambition
President Joe Biden has committed the United States to its most ambitious climate change target yet. There are, of course, several catches to these lofty goals.
Repaying a Fire Debt
Native Americans in the Western United States used to conduct burns regularly, which helped reduce fuels in the forests that contribute to major wildfires. European settlers put a halt to the practice when they arrived, both because they didn’t understand the role of fire, but also to deprive Indigenous people of access to lands. Now there is a movement to bring back Indigenous burning practices, but it requires confronting an ugly history.
Fire Down Under
Australia ended 2019 with devastating bushfires that torched huge swaths of the country. Such fires are common in Australia, but the scale of the blazes this year was startling. The conditions fueling the flames built up for years, including Australia’s notoriously volatile weather, a prolonged drought, and climate change.
Save the Trees, Save Ourselves
Fighting climate change isn’t all about wind turbines and electric cars; protecting and restoring nature is a key component of reducing greenhouse gas emssions. Ecosystems like forests take in and store huge amounts of carbon. The question is whether countries can come up with a way to encourage people to keep nature as it is.