Resources

New research explores how the combination of photovoltaic technology and water infrastructure can help stabilize water supplies in drought-stricken regions while increasing sources of local, renewable energy.

Several recent studies suggest that loneliness and social disconnection may directly affect individual perceptions and actions on climate change, providing a starting point to consider how we might link concern about loneliness and isolation to climate action.

Climate change-induced warmer temperatures are causing many plants in temperate climates to exhibit spring behavior. This change in the timing of plant development produces ripple effects that impact health, culture, livelihoods, and food security. New research is increasing our understanding of plant phenology and allowing for informed decision-making and adaptation strategies.

As the impacts of climate change intensify, experts predict fundamental shifts in mountain hydrologic cycles, with consequences for snow-reliant people and ecosystems. California can serve as a case study to help connect the dots between rising temperatures and regional atmospheric patterns.

Emerging research is beginning to shed light on actions that consumers and producers alike can take to reduce food system impacts on the climate. Emissions are generated at every stage of the food system, from the production on farm to the food you scrape off your plate.

As the Colorado River Compact is renegotiated, scientists are critically examining historical research on the river’s flow to ensure water users across the western United States and Mexico have the information they need to prepare for a future where drought is the norm.

In order to stay safe and healthy during wildfire smoke events, communities need to understand the health impacts of exposure, know the interventions they can take to mitigate risks, have access to accurate air quality data, and most importantly, have access to clean indoor air. Recent research underscores opportunities to improve smoke readiness across these dimensions.

Wildfires are increasing in intensity, frequency, and size, decimating ecosystems and devastating communities. As worries about the impacts of wildfires grow, researchers are ramping up efforts to understand wildfires’ water quality repercussions. Studies conducted following the Marshall and Camp fires will help lay the groundwork for future water resiliency efforts and community preparedness.

Studies show climate events can have catastrophic consequences for human health including the spread of disease vectors and contaminated food or drinking water supplies, but new research is identifying ways to reduce the risks.

How quickly we reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions critically depends on how fast we learn in the process. New research uses learning curves to explain staggering declines in costs of key climate technologies like solar photovoltaics and batteries, grounding hopes that we can get where we need to go—as long as we don’t delay getting started.