Climate

Rapids — and rafting — roar back to life as Sierra Nevada snowpack melts

4:25pm May 24, 2023

by Joshua Yeager

As California's massive winter snowpack melts, one industry is having a great year. Across the state, whitewater rafting is roaring back to life after years of debilitating drought.

Pipes direct water into an irrigation project held by the University of California. After a few decades of not enough water California water officials are scrambling to catch as much of this year's floodwaters as they can.

California wants to store floodwaters underground. It's harder than it sounds

8:28am May 24, 2023

Even during epic floods, California is trying to prepare for the next drought by capturing water from this year's epic winter storms.

Damage from Hurricane Ian near Pine Island, Fla., in 2022. The storm caused at least $50 billion in insured damage.

Insurance firms need more climate change information. Scientists say they can help

10:56am May 23, 2023

by Rebecca Hersher

Floods, wildfires, heat waves and hurricanes cause billions of dollars of property damage each year. Can federal climate scientists help the insurance industry keep up?

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Colorado River states announce breakthrough water sharing deal

7:47pm May 22, 2023

by Kirk Siegler

A new breakthrough deal for sharing the over-promised Colorado River has been reached by the seven states that share it.

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National

Lake Powell provides a harrowing visual reminder of a stressed watering system

4:53pm May 22, 2023

by Alex Hager | KUNC

When drought drained Lake Powell to its lowest level ever, it exposed a natural canyon wonderland little seen before it was dammed up. A visit to what's been revealed.

Deemmeris Debra'e Burns shows the spot on a rural road in Satartia, Miss., where he lost consciousness when a carbon dioxide pipeline ruptured, an experience he thinks is a warning for America.

The U.S. is expanding CO2 pipelines. One poisoned town wants you to know its story

6:01am May 21, 2023

by Julia Simon

Companies are building carbon dioxide pipelines as a possible climate solution. But after a pipeline rupture sent dozens to the hospital in a Mississippi town, there are questions about their safety.

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Water levels at Lake Powell, the nation's second-largest reservoir, remain critically low because of a climate-change driven megadrought and overuse of the Colorado River's water.

More than half of the world's largest lakes are shrinking. Here's why that matters

9:24pm May 20, 2023

by Nathan Rott

Human actions have caused "significant declines" in the amount of water stored in 53% of the planet's largest lakes and reservoirs. Climate change and overconsumption are the primary drivers.

Toxic sea level rise threatens a West Oakland community

5:21pm May 20, 2023

by Ezra Romero

Rising sea levels are a danger in West Oakland, Calif., where some residents and activists believe climate justice is a form of reparations.

National

North Carolina families' homes are in limbo for years after hurricanes

5:56pm May 18, 2023

by Colin Campbell

Thousands of North Carolina families affected by hurricanes in 2018 and 2016 still wait for their homes to be rebuilt or repaired. State officials blame federal red tape and a lack of contractors.

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Arizona farmer Craig Alameda stands next to a tractor on his farm near Yuma.

Politics & Government

Arizona's farms are running out of water, forcing farmers to confront climate change

1:15pm May 18, 2023

by Ximena Bustillo

Farmers in Arizona are facing the brunt of climate change as the Colorado River experiences shortages. Even in rural and conservative areas, most agree something needs to change.