Water & Oceans

West’s Last Quarter-Century Ranks As The Driest In 1,200 Years: Research

"Three years ago, climate researchers shocked drought-weary Californians when they revealed that the American West was experiencing its driest 22-year period in 1,200 years, and that this severe megadrought was being intensified by global warming."

Source: LA Times, 07/31/2024

"It’s Shark Season. How Worried Should You Be?"

"Humans have been afraid of sharks since long before “Jaws” and “The Meg” patrolled summer movie screens. Whether it’s the teeth or the lifeless eyes, something about them can just make your blood run cold.

Marine biologists are quick to say this fear is way out of proportion. Lightning strikes and bear attacks are more common than shark bites, they say. Of the more than 500 species of shark, only a handful have ever attacked humans, and most bites in the United States can be traced to just four species.

Source: NYTimes, 07/30/2024

"A Surprising Byproduct Of Wildfires: Contaminated Drinking Water"

"Over the weekend, the Park Fire grew to more than 360,000 acres, prompting evacuation orders and warnings around Chico, Calif. in Butte, Plumas, Shasta and Tehama counties. In the days ahead, Cal Fire will seek to contain the blaze to reduce harm to people, structures and the environment. However, months from now when the rains come and the fires are extinguished, a hidden threat could put communities at risk once again."

Source: Washington Post, 07/30/2024

United Houma Nation Gets $56 Million To Deal With Climate Risks, Relocation

"The United Houma Nation, the largest Indigenous tribe in Louisiana, has secured a $56.5 million grant to enact a massive plan to deal with growing climate risks that tribal leaders hope will serve as a model, ranging from infrastructure improvements to potential relocations."

Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune, 07/29/2024

"Project 2025 Plan Calls For Demolition Of NOAA and National Weather Service"

"Among its many sweeping calls for change in American government, a conservative platform document known as Project 2025 urges the demolition of some of the nation’s most dependable resources for tracking weather, combating climate change and protecting the public from environmental hazards."

Source: LA Times, 07/29/2024

Track Harmful Algal Blooms With Data. Avoid Bad Clams

It’s summertime and the living is easy for algae that can be hazardous to human health. Climate heating and agricultural pollution are making the problem worse. The latest Reporter’s Toolbox explores useful sources of data for tracking trends. Plus, tips on how to use the data for local reporting on the risks posed by this seasonal threat.

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