Colorado is latest state to try turning off the electrical grid to prevent wildfires − a complex, technical operation pioneered in California

Turning off power is a last-ditch strategy for utilities to reduce the risk that their systems could spark wildfires. In most states, deciding whether to take that step is up to utilities.

Kyri Baker, Assistant Professor of Building Systems Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
April 12, 2024 ~8 min

Wildfire smoke warnings don’t come soon enough

Environmental and public health agencies often don't warn people about smoke-choked air until it's already swept in, researchers report.

U. Oregon • futurity
March 29, 2024 ~7 min


Fighting every wildfire ensures the big fires are more extreme, and may harm forests’ ability to adapt to climate change

A new study offers a rare window into the hidden effects of aggressive fire suppression that go beyond fuel accumulation. It may even change the course of forest evolution.

Mark Kreider, Ph.D. Candidate in Forest and Conservation Science, University of Montana • conversation
March 25, 2024 ~7 min

The Anthropocene is not an epoch − but the age of humans is most definitely underway

Scientists have been debating the start of the Anthropocene Epoch for 15 years. I was part of those discussions, and I agree with the vote rejecting it.

Erle C. Ellis, Professor of Geography and Environmental Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
March 5, 2024 ~7 min

The estimated 2.5 million people displaced by tornadoes, wildfires and other disasters in 2023 tell a story of recovery in America and who is vulnerable

Census data and research show all things are not equal in disaster displacement, as two experts in disaster recovery explain.

James Kendra, Director, Disaster Research Center and Professor, Public Policy & Administration, University of Delaware • conversation
March 4, 2024 ~8 min

Estimated 2.5 million people displaced by tornadoes, wildfires and other disasters in 2023 tell a story of recovery in America and who is vulnerable

Census data and research show all things are not equal in disaster displacement, as two experts in disaster recovery explain.

James Kendra, Director, Disaster Research Center and Professor, Public Policy & Administration, University of Delaware • conversation
March 4, 2024 ~8 min

Texas fires: With over 1 million acres of grassland burned, cattle ranchers face struggles ahead to find and feed their herds

The state’s largest wildfire on record tore across the heart of Texas cattle country, and more days of strong winds were forecast. A rangeland ecologist explains why the flames spread so fast.

Karen Hickman, Professor and Director of Environmental Science, Oklahoma State University • conversation
March 1, 2024 ~6 min

Texas fires: Cattle ranchers face struggles ahead to find and feed their herds while burned grasslands recover

Over 1 million acres have burned in Texas’ largest wildfire on record, and more days of strong winds are forecast across the Panhandle, the heart of Texas’ cattle country.

Karen Hickman, Professor and Director of Environmental Science, Oklahoma State University • conversation
March 1, 2024 ~6 min


After wildfire, drought gives invasive species a boost

A new study highlights how the interaction between drought, wildfires, and invasive species can transform coastal ecosystems.

Ethan Perez-UC Irvine • futurity
March 1, 2024 ~4 min

Texas fires: Burned rangeland can recover quickly, but cattle ranchers face struggles ahead to find and feed their herds

Over 1 million acres have burned in Texas’ largest wildfire on record, and more days of strong winds are forecast across the Panhandle, the heart of Texas’ cattle country.

Karen Hickman, Professor and Director of Environmental Science, Oklahoma State University • conversation
March 1, 2024 ~6 min

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