Arctic has changed dramatically in just a couple of decades – 2024 report card shows worrying trends in snow, ice, wildfire and more

Rapid changes underway in the Arctic affect the region’s people and wildlife, and the entire planet.

Rick Thoman, Alaska Climate Specialist, University of Alaska Fairbanks • conversation
Dec. 10, 2024 ~9 min

Wildland firefighters face a big pay cut if Congress doesn’t act − that’s taking a toll on a workforce already under stress

Firefighters work long hours to protect communities, often in dangerous conditions and for low starting pay. Surveys show the impact that can have on their physical and mental health.

Robin Verble, Professor of Biology, Environmental Science Program Director, Missouri University of Science and Technology • conversation
Dec. 3, 2024 ~9 min


Wildland firefighters face up to $20,000 pay cut if Congress doesn’t act − that’s taking a toll on a workforce already under stress

Firefighters work long hours to protect communities, often in dangerous conditions and for low starting pay. Surveys show the impact that can have on their physical and mental health.

Robin Verble, Professor of Biology, Environmental Science Program Director, Missouri University of Science and Technology • conversation
Dec. 3, 2024 ~9 min

When an atmospheric river meets a bomb cyclone, it’s like a fire hose flailing out of control along the West Coast

A powerful storm hitting the West Coast combines these phenomena for a wet week of erratic weather, as a meteorologist explains.

Chad Hecht, Research and Operations Meteorologist, Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, University of California, San Diego • conversation
Nov. 20, 2024 ~8 min

Atmospheric river meets bomb cyclone: The result is like a fire hose flailing out of control

A powerful storm hitting the West Coast combines these weather phenomena for a wet week in many areas. But forecasting exactly which areas will get hit hardest is tough, as a meteorologist explains.

Chad Hecht, Research and Operations Meteorologist, Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, University of California, San Diego • conversation
Nov. 20, 2024 ~8 min

Americans face an insurability crisis as climate change worsens disasters – a look at how insurance companies set rates and coverage

Insurance costs are rising quickly across much of the country. Hurricanes are part of the reason, but it’s the other perils common across the Midwest and Great Plains that complicate costs.

Andrew J. Hoffman, Holcim (US) Professor of Sustainable Enterprise, Ross School of Business, School for Environment & Sustainability, University of Michigan • conversation
Nov. 18, 2024 ~10 min

Jails and prisons often fail to protect incarcerated people during natural disasters

Prisons and jails are difficult to evacuate when wildfires or storms approach. Many of these facilities lack evacuation plans and may keep incarcerated people on-site instead of moving them to safety.

Tara Goddard, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, Texas A&M University • conversation
Nov. 12, 2024 ~10 min

Tiny airborne particles within air pollution could be a silent killer – new study uncovers hidden risks and reveals who’s most at risk in New York state

Ultrafine particles are approximately one-thousandth the width of a human hair. But because of their tiny size, they are easily inhaled – and typically more dangerous than larger particles.

Quan Qi, PhD candidate in Economics, University at Albany, State University of New York • conversation
Oct. 24, 2024 ~6 min


Forest fires are shifting north and intensifying – here’s what that means for the planet

Global carbon emissions from forest fires have increased by 60% over the past two decades, with the largest contributions coming from fires in Siberia and western North America.

Stefan H Doerr, Professor of Geography and Director of the Centre for Wildfire Research, Swansea University • conversation
Oct. 17, 2024 ~8 min

People displaced by hurricanes face anxiety and a long road to recovery, US census surveys show − smarter, targeted policies could help

Disasters such as hurricanes Helene and Milton often hit low-income and other disadvantaged groups hardest. 2 policy experts suggest ways long-term aid could help.

Christian Weller, Professor of Public Policy and Public Affairs, UMass Boston • conversation
Oct. 15, 2024 ~8 min

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