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

European floods photo

Is climate change to blame for extreme weather events? Attribution science says yes, for...

There has always been extreme weather, but human-caused global warming can increase extreme weather’s frequency and severity.
Flooding in Northern England photo

The water cycle is intensifying as the climate warms, IPCC report warns – that...

Water-related hazards can be exceptionally destructive, and the impact of climate change on water-related disasters is increasingly evident.

As Colorado River Basin states confront water shortages, it’s time to focus on reducing...

Increasing water supply is no longer a viable option, so states must turn to reducing demand. Conservation remains the low-hanging fruit.

Snow can disappear straight into the atmosphere in hot, dry weather

Scientists are exploring how droughts can lead to chronically dry soil that sucks up more water than normal in the American West.

‘Megadrought’ along border strains US-Mexico water relations

The United States and Mexico are tussling over their dwindling shared water supplies after years of unprecedented heat and insufficient rainfall.
Kettleman City orchard photo

Water wells are at risk of going dry in the US and worldwide

Wells that irrigate agriculture and supply drinking water to more than 100 million Americans are at risk from over-pumping.
Santa Rosa fire photo

Wildfires are contaminating drinking water systems, and it’s more widespread than people realize

When wildfire smoke gets into water systems, it can contaminate drinking water and plumbing with carcinogens for months after the blaze.
California wildfire photo

Another dangerous fire season is looming in the Western U.S., and the drought-stricken region...

Just about every indicator of drought is flashing red across the western U.S. after a dry winter and warm early spring.
Water photo 1

Why Wall Street investors’ trading California water futures is nothing to fear – and...

Some worry about Wall Street’s involvement in trading water, but two researchers argue the risks are likely overblown.

Interstate water wars are heating up along with the climate

Southwest Utah’s claim to Colorado River water is sparking conflict with other western states.