We talk to Laura Paskus, a journalist with New Mexico PBS and the author of At the Precipice: New Mexico’s Changing Climate, which examines the many ways that state is being impacted by this global threat.
Laura has been covering environmental issues in New Mexico and beyond for two decades, writing for publications such as High Country News, the Santa Fe Reporter, New Mexico Political Report, New Mexico in Depth, and Indian Country Today. She’s also a board member of the Society for Environmental Journalists.
Episode highlights
| Introduction (0:28) | |
 | Laura Paskus, environmental journalist The author of “At the Precipice: New Mexico’s Changing Climate,” Laura has been covering environmental issues in New Mexico and beyond for two decades. Starts at 1:06 |
 | Book on climate change and New Mexico Paskus’ book, released in 2020, explores the compounding stresses on New Mexico ecosystems wrought by climate change, and what can be done to adapt to them. Related:
Starts at 2:03 |
| Outlook for New Mexico water resources? (5:18) | |
 | Future of the Rio Grande River “I try to feel optimistic,“ says Paskus, but the Rio Grande has been getting steadily drier since she started reporting on it in 2002. Then, she says, agencies were reluctant to acknowledge the problem, but that has changed. Starts at 8:05 |
| Comparing the Rio Grande and Colorado rivers (11:20) | |
 | Water Words: ‘Aquatic Nuisance Species’ (13:42) |
 | PFAS contamination in New Mexico water Paskus’ reporting on the long-lasting chemical used in cleaners, flame-retardants and other products has found that PFAS are widely distributed in New Mexico’s water supplies. Related:
Starts at 16:11 |
| Other New Mexico water stories? (27:43) | |
| The burden of bearing “bad news” (30:55) | |
| Advice for aspiring environmental journalists? (37:16) | |
| Show more episode detail | |
Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts
You’re welcome to watch the video version of Water Buffs here on our website or subscribe to it on our YouTube and Vimeo Channels. If you prefer your podcasts on audio or on a portable device, subscribe using one of the services below or grab the feed url for your own service.
Ways to get the audio version: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Soundcloud | Stitcher | Podcast RSS Feed
Share your thoughts – and consider joining us
If you’re interested in appearing on the show, please contact Water Desk Director Mitch Tobin at mitchtobin@colorado.edu. If you’d like to share your comments and questions, you can reach us at waterdesk@colorado.edu, or on Twitter and Facebook.
Podcast article css and js
