Southwest Climate News
Moderate Michael Rubio takes on California's environmental law.
State Sen. Michael Rubio says he first wondered if something were wrong with California's environmental review law during his days as a Kern County supervisor, when he saw it used to slow wind and solar projects he considered green by their very nature.
Rising seas shift bay agency's mission.
Various scenarios say water levels in San Francisco Bay could rise by more than 5 feet between now and 2100 — an ecological shift that demands a new approach at the Bay Conservation and Development Commission.
Major climate changes looming.
In his inaugural address last Monday, President Obama made climate change a priority of his second term. It might be too late. Within the lifetimes of today's children, scientists say, the climate could reach a state unknown in civilization.
Gretchen Bleiler on climate change: Do sweat the small stuff.
For snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler, being environmentally conscious is about doing the small things in her daily life. If everyone decided to drink out of reusable water bottles or chose to recycle, it could be enough to deter the long-term impacts of global warming, the Olympic medalist said.
Jerry Brown's water plan faces mixed reviews.
Nearly lost in the flurry of praise for Gov. Jerry Brown's State of the State address on Thursday were a handful of tersely worded statements from lawmakers objecting to his plan to build two water-diverting tunnels through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Colorado's lingering drought has ag economy anxious for spring.
After a devastating year for crops and wildfires in Colorado, 2013 so far has seen weak snowpack and little reason to be optimistic for critical snow and rain during the crucial period of March, April and early May. Without some relief, Colorado risks more wildfires, another crop disaster and a stalled state economy.
Helping students ACE the climate change test.
Today's high school students can be the change they want to see in their world, and with their Rocky Mountain winters. That's the message promoted by the Alliance for Climate Education and Protect Our Winters, as they reach out to area high school students this week.
UCI lab to investigate 'burning ice'.
The world's largest untapped source of fossil fuel – combustible ice-like chunks found in the ocean floor – will be investigated in a new UC Irvine laboratory built to simulate their extreme, deep-sea environment.
President unlikely to get support from Congress on climate change.
In his second inaugural address, President Obama promised to “respond” to the threat of climate change, saying the failure to do so would betray future generations. But President Obama shouldn’t expect any comprehensive legislation from Capitol Hill.
Climate changes to disrupt Southwest.
The National Climate Assessment's draft report, released earlier this month, predicts unsettling changes in the US Southwest. Water supplies for cities, agriculture and ecosystems will decrease. More wildfires will bring risks to communities. Increased heat will pose threats to public health.