An initiative of the Center for Environmental Journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder

The Colorado River drought crisis: 5 essential reads

Five articles from The Conversation’s archive explain what’s happening and what’s at stake in the Colorado River basin’s drought crisis.

As climate change and overuse shrink Lake Powell, the emergent landscape is coming back...

Lake Powell’s decline offers an opportunity to recover the landscape at Glen Canyon, but it also presents serious challenges.

Cheap sewer pipe repairs can push toxic fumes into homes and schools – here’s...

Across the U.S., children and adults are increasingly exposed to harmful chemicals from a source few people are even aware of.

Atmospheric rivers over California’s wildfire burn scars raise fears of deadly mudslides – this...

One natural disaster often leads to another and in California these consecutive events are leading to human disasters.

What is a flash drought? An earth scientist explains

Extreme dry spells, also known as flash droughts, are becoming a big concern for farmers and water utilities.

Which wetlands should receive federal protection? The Supreme Court revisits a question it has...

A wetland protection case being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court will determine which bodies of water can be federally regulated.

How to steer money for drinking water and sewer upgrades to the communities that...

A historic increase in federal water infrastructure funding is coming over the next five years, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Desalinating seawater sounds easy, but there are cheaper and more sustainable ways to meet...

Even in coastal cities, ocean desalination may not be the best or even among the best options to address water shortfalls.

How to destroy a ‘forever chemical’ – scientists are discovering ways to eliminate PFAS,...

Scientists have found that sodium hydroxide, a component often used in soaps, is able to break down one class of PFAS.

What is a flash flood? A civil engineer explains

Flash floods often catch people by surprise, even though weather forecasters and emergency personnel try to warn and prepare communities.