#extremedrought — Public Fediverse posts

To Predict Tree Death, Scientists Tapped Gamma Rays To Peer Underground
(Airborne radiation sensors could help forecast and prevent drought-driven tree mortality_
--
https://www.science.org/content/article/predict-tree-death-scientists-tapped-gamma-rays-peer-underground <-- shared technical article
--
https://doi.org/10.1029/2026GL122182 <-- shared paper
--
H/T @hannah Richter
“Over an 18-month period starting in 2023, the dense forests of Western Australia [WA] experienced a record-setting drought. Jarrah trees towering 35 metres high died off in patchy brown splotches, turning 400 square kilometres - 3% of the forest - into brittle, fire-prone stands. The event led researchers to wonder whether there was a better way to predict where such die-offs might occur both there and in other forests, a problem that has long been tricky to solve because important factors such as soil depth are hidden underground…
Now, those same researchers have unveiled a surprising new tool for predicting tree mortality: gamma rays [link above.] Resulting from the natural decay of the potassium-40 isotope from granite-rich bedrock, the radiation acts as a proxy for soil depth, which in turn signals how much water a tree can access during drought. The new method could be applied to other highly weathered soils, which cover one-third of Earth’s ice-free land...”
--
"... PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: During a record-breaking drought and heat event in 2023–2024, forests in southwestern Australia experienced widespread, patchy die-off. While we know that extreme weather triggers these events, it is often a hidden factor, the thickness of soil and the depth to underlying bedrock, that determines which trees live or die. Trees growing in shallow soil over solid rock are highly vulnerable due to limited water storage. Here, [they] show how to map these hidden zones from the air using gamma rays that are naturally emitted by potassium in the ground. Like southwestern Australia, many parts of the world have highly weathered soils where potassium has been washed out of the upper layers of soil. However, [they] showed that higher potassium areas signal that potassium-rich bedrock is closer to the surface and this is sensitive for tens of meters. By comparing gamma ray maps with ground-based geophysical surveys and satellite data, [they] showed that these potassium hotspots accurately predict where forests are most likely to experience die-off during a drought. These types of soils cover about one-third of the Earth's land, so the method provides a powerful new tool for managers to identify and protect vulnerable forests from future, hotter droughts…”
#GIS #spatial #mapping #spatialanalysis #spatiotemporal #Australia #WesternAustralia #WA #forests #vegetation #bush #jarrah #karri #drought #heat #extremedrought #extremeweather #climatechange #water #waterresources #dieoff #soil #weathering #erosion #moisture #nutrients #airborne #gammarays #GRS #granite #gneiss #bedrock #geology #potassium40 #potassium #K #remotesensing #earthobservation #groundwater #interstitial #subsurface #waterstorage #electricalresistivitytomography

To Predict Tree Death, Scientists Tapped Gamma Rays To Peer Underground
(Airborne radiation sensors could help forecast and prevent drought-driven tree mortality_
--
https://www.science.org/content/article/predict-tree-death-scientists-tapped-gamma-rays-peer-underground <-- shared technical article
--
https://doi.org/10.1029/2026GL122182 <-- shared paper
--
H/T @hannah Richter
“Over an 18-month period starting in 2023, the dense forests of Western Australia [WA] experienced a record-setting drought. Jarrah trees towering 35 metres high died off in patchy brown splotches, turning 400 square kilometres - 3% of the forest - into brittle, fire-prone stands. The event led researchers to wonder whether there was a better way to predict where such die-offs might occur both there and in other forests, a problem that has long been tricky to solve because important factors such as soil depth are hidden underground…
Now, those same researchers have unveiled a surprising new tool for predicting tree mortality: gamma rays [link above.] Resulting from the natural decay of the potassium-40 isotope from granite-rich bedrock, the radiation acts as a proxy for soil depth, which in turn signals how much water a tree can access during drought. The new method could be applied to other highly weathered soils, which cover one-third of Earth’s ice-free land...”
--
"... PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: During a record-breaking drought and heat event in 2023–2024, forests in southwestern Australia experienced widespread, patchy die-off. While we know that extreme weather triggers these events, it is often a hidden factor, the thickness of soil and the depth to underlying bedrock, that determines which trees live or die. Trees growing in shallow soil over solid rock are highly vulnerable due to limited water storage. Here, [they] show how to map these hidden zones from the air using gamma rays that are naturally emitted by potassium in the ground. Like southwestern Australia, many parts of the world have highly weathered soils where potassium has been washed out of the upper layers of soil. However, [they] showed that higher potassium areas signal that potassium-rich bedrock is closer to the surface and this is sensitive for tens of meters. By comparing gamma ray maps with ground-based geophysical surveys and satellite data, [they] showed that these potassium hotspots accurately predict where forests are most likely to experience die-off during a drought. These types of soils cover about one-third of the Earth's land, so the method provides a powerful new tool for managers to identify and protect vulnerable forests from future, hotter droughts…”
#GIS #spatial #mapping #spatialanalysis #spatiotemporal #Australia #WesternAustralia #WA #forests #vegetation #bush #jarrah #karri #drought #heat #extremedrought #extremeweather #climatechange #water #waterresources #dieoff #soil #weathering #erosion #moisture #nutrients #airborne #gammarays #GRS #granite #gneiss #bedrock #geology #potassium40 #potassium #K #remotesensing #earthobservation #groundwater #interstitial #subsurface #waterstorage #electricalresistivitytomography

To Predict Tree Death, Scientists Tapped Gamma Rays To Peer Underground
(Airborne radiation sensors could help forecast and prevent drought-driven tree mortality_
--
https://www.science.org/content/article/predict-tree-death-scientists-tapped-gamma-rays-peer-underground <-- shared technical article
--
https://doi.org/10.1029/2026GL122182 <-- shared paper
--
H/T @hannah Richter
“Over an 18-month period starting in 2023, the dense forests of Western Australia [WA] experienced a record-setting drought. Jarrah trees towering 35 metres high died off in patchy brown splotches, turning 400 square kilometres - 3% of the forest - into brittle, fire-prone stands. The event led researchers to wonder whether there was a better way to predict where such die-offs might occur both there and in other forests, a problem that has long been tricky to solve because important factors such as soil depth are hidden underground…
Now, those same researchers have unveiled a surprising new tool for predicting tree mortality: gamma rays [link above.] Resulting from the natural decay of the potassium-40 isotope from granite-rich bedrock, the radiation acts as a proxy for soil depth, which in turn signals how much water a tree can access during drought. The new method could be applied to other highly weathered soils, which cover one-third of Earth’s ice-free land...”
--
"... PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: During a record-breaking drought and heat event in 2023–2024, forests in southwestern Australia experienced widespread, patchy die-off. While we know that extreme weather triggers these events, it is often a hidden factor, the thickness of soil and the depth to underlying bedrock, that determines which trees live or die. Trees growing in shallow soil over solid rock are highly vulnerable due to limited water storage. Here, [they] show how to map these hidden zones from the air using gamma rays that are naturally emitted by potassium in the ground. Like southwestern Australia, many parts of the world have highly weathered soils where potassium has been washed out of the upper layers of soil. However, [they] showed that higher potassium areas signal that potassium-rich bedrock is closer to the surface and this is sensitive for tens of meters. By comparing gamma ray maps with ground-based geophysical surveys and satellite data, [they] showed that these potassium hotspots accurately predict where forests are most likely to experience die-off during a drought. These types of soils cover about one-third of the Earth's land, so the method provides a powerful new tool for managers to identify and protect vulnerable forests from future, hotter droughts…”
#GIS #spatial #mapping #spatialanalysis #spatiotemporal #Australia #WesternAustralia #WA #forests #vegetation #bush #jarrah #karri #drought #heat #extremedrought #extremeweather #climatechange #water #waterresources #dieoff #soil #weathering #erosion #moisture #nutrients #airborne #gammarays #GRS #granite #gneiss #bedrock #geology #potassium40 #potassium #K #remotesensing #earthobservation #groundwater #interstitial #subsurface #waterstorage #electricalresistivitytomography

To Predict Tree Death, Scientists Tapped Gamma Rays To Peer Underground
(Airborne radiation sensors could help forecast and prevent drought-driven tree mortality_
--
https://www.science.org/content/article/predict-tree-death-scientists-tapped-gamma-rays-peer-underground <-- shared technical article
--
https://doi.org/10.1029/2026GL122182 <-- shared paper
--
H/T @hannah Richter
“Over an 18-month period starting in 2023, the dense forests of Western Australia [WA] experienced a record-setting drought. Jarrah trees towering 35 metres high died off in patchy brown splotches, turning 400 square kilometres - 3% of the forest - into brittle, fire-prone stands. The event led researchers to wonder whether there was a better way to predict where such die-offs might occur both there and in other forests, a problem that has long been tricky to solve because important factors such as soil depth are hidden underground…
Now, those same researchers have unveiled a surprising new tool for predicting tree mortality: gamma rays [link above.] Resulting from the natural decay of the potassium-40 isotope from granite-rich bedrock, the radiation acts as a proxy for soil depth, which in turn signals how much water a tree can access during drought. The new method could be applied to other highly weathered soils, which cover one-third of Earth’s ice-free land...”
--
"... PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: During a record-breaking drought and heat event in 2023–2024, forests in southwestern Australia experienced widespread, patchy die-off. While we know that extreme weather triggers these events, it is often a hidden factor, the thickness of soil and the depth to underlying bedrock, that determines which trees live or die. Trees growing in shallow soil over solid rock are highly vulnerable due to limited water storage. Here, [they] show how to map these hidden zones from the air using gamma rays that are naturally emitted by potassium in the ground. Like southwestern Australia, many parts of the world have highly weathered soils where potassium has been washed out of the upper layers of soil. However, [they] showed that higher potassium areas signal that potassium-rich bedrock is closer to the surface and this is sensitive for tens of meters. By comparing gamma ray maps with ground-based geophysical surveys and satellite data, [they] showed that these potassium hotspots accurately predict where forests are most likely to experience die-off during a drought. These types of soils cover about one-third of the Earth's land, so the method provides a powerful new tool for managers to identify and protect vulnerable forests from future, hotter droughts…”
#GIS #spatial #mapping #spatialanalysis #spatiotemporal #Australia #WesternAustralia #WA #forests #vegetation #bush #jarrah #karri #drought #heat #extremedrought #extremeweather #climatechange #water #waterresources #dieoff #soil #weathering #erosion #moisture #nutrients #airborne #gammarays #GRS #granite #gneiss #bedrock #geology #potassium40 #potassium #K #remotesensing #earthobservation #groundwater #interstitial #subsurface #waterstorage #electricalresistivitytomography

To Predict Tree Death, Scientists Tapped Gamma Rays To Peer Underground
(Airborne radiation sensors could help forecast and prevent drought-driven tree mortality_
--
https://www.science.org/content/article/predict-tree-death-scientists-tapped-gamma-rays-peer-underground <-- shared technical article
--
https://doi.org/10.1029/2026GL122182 <-- shared paper
--
H/T @hannah Richter
“Over an 18-month period starting in 2023, the dense forests of Western Australia [WA] experienced a record-setting drought. Jarrah trees towering 35 metres high died off in patchy brown splotches, turning 400 square kilometres - 3% of the forest - into brittle, fire-prone stands. The event led researchers to wonder whether there was a better way to predict where such die-offs might occur both there and in other forests, a problem that has long been tricky to solve because important factors such as soil depth are hidden underground…
Now, those same researchers have unveiled a surprising new tool for predicting tree mortality: gamma rays [link above.] Resulting from the natural decay of the potassium-40 isotope from granite-rich bedrock, the radiation acts as a proxy for soil depth, which in turn signals how much water a tree can access during drought. The new method could be applied to other highly weathered soils, which cover one-third of Earth’s ice-free land...”
--
"... PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: During a record-breaking drought and heat event in 2023–2024, forests in southwestern Australia experienced widespread, patchy die-off. While we know that extreme weather triggers these events, it is often a hidden factor, the thickness of soil and the depth to underlying bedrock, that determines which trees live or die. Trees growing in shallow soil over solid rock are highly vulnerable due to limited water storage. Here, [they] show how to map these hidden zones from the air using gamma rays that are naturally emitted by potassium in the ground. Like southwestern Australia, many parts of the world have highly weathered soils where potassium has been washed out of the upper layers of soil. However, [they] showed that higher potassium areas signal that potassium-rich bedrock is closer to the surface and this is sensitive for tens of meters. By comparing gamma ray maps with ground-based geophysical surveys and satellite data, [they] showed that these potassium hotspots accurately predict where forests are most likely to experience die-off during a drought. These types of soils cover about one-third of the Earth's land, so the method provides a powerful new tool for managers to identify and protect vulnerable forests from future, hotter droughts…”
#GIS #spatial #mapping #spatialanalysis #spatiotemporal #Australia #WesternAustralia #WA #forests #vegetation #bush #jarrah #karri #drought #heat #extremedrought #extremeweather #climatechange #water #waterresources #dieoff #soil #weathering #erosion #moisture #nutrients #airborne #gammarays #GRS #granite #gneiss #bedrock #geology #potassium40 #potassium #K #remotesensing #earthobservation #groundwater #interstitial #subsurface #waterstorage #electricalresistivitytomography

Unfortunately, both articles are behind paywalls -- but you get the gist...

#GallupNM #datacenter water deal draws #Navajo concerns

By Donovan Quintero | May 14, 2026

"A proposed data center on Gallup’s eastern industrial edge has raised questions about water, jobs, public notice and whether the project could affect the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.

"The Gallup City Council is considering whether to extend a long-term reclaimed water option tied to #TeraplexDataCentersLLC, a Virginia limited liability company identified in city documents as seeking to develop industrial and commercial uses, including a data center, on roughly 330 acres in Gallup.

"Public materials describe Teraplex as a modular data center and power infrastructure company focused on #AI computing, integrated power systems and factory-built infrastructure. Publicly available company materials do not clearly identify completed or operating data center campuses owned by Teraplex."

https://navajotimes.com/reznews/gallup-data-center-water-deal-draws-navajo-concerns/

Gallup data center proposal raises water, jobs and notice concerns

Marcus Williams, 5/17/2026

"A 330-acre #GallupTradeport data center could send nearly 110 million gallons of #wastewater a year into a water-stressed region already waiting on #NavajoGallup deliveries.

"Gallup City Council put off action April 29 on a wastewater deal tied to a proposed 330-acre data center in the Gallup Tradeport, and the scale alone sharpened the stakes: nearly 110 million gallons of wastewater a year could be routed to the project if the agreement advances.

"That number is now colliding with a much larger question in McKinley County and across the Eastern Navajo Nation, who bears the risk if a private technology campus moves ahead in a region where water is already scarce. At a May 14 discussion, speakers raised concerns about water use, public notice and whether the project could affect the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, the long-delayed system meant to carry municipal and industrial water from the #SanJuanRiver to Gallup, the eastern #NavajoNation and the southwestern #JicarillaApache Nation."

https://www.prismnews.com/local/mckinley-nm/gallup-data-center-proposal-raises-water-jobs-and-notice

#ClimateCrisis #ExtremeDrought
#Dine #WaterIsLife #WaterShortage #NoWaterForDatacenters
#NativeAmericanNews #AIDatacenters

Unfortunately, both articles are behind paywalls -- but you get the gist...

#GallupNM #datacenter water deal draws #Navajo concerns

By Donovan Quintero | May 14, 2026

"A proposed data center on Gallup’s eastern industrial edge has raised questions about water, jobs, public notice and whether the project could affect the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.

"The Gallup City Council is considering whether to extend a long-term reclaimed water option tied to #TeraplexDataCentersLLC, a Virginia limited liability company identified in city documents as seeking to develop industrial and commercial uses, including a data center, on roughly 330 acres in Gallup.

"Public materials describe Teraplex as a modular data center and power infrastructure company focused on #AI computing, integrated power systems and factory-built infrastructure. Publicly available company materials do not clearly identify completed or operating data center campuses owned by Teraplex."

https://navajotimes.com/reznews/gallup-data-center-water-deal-draws-navajo-concerns/

Gallup data center proposal raises water, jobs and notice concerns

Marcus Williams, 5/17/2026

"A 330-acre #GallupTradeport data center could send nearly 110 million gallons of #wastewater a year into a water-stressed region already waiting on #NavajoGallup deliveries.

"Gallup City Council put off action April 29 on a wastewater deal tied to a proposed 330-acre data center in the Gallup Tradeport, and the scale alone sharpened the stakes: nearly 110 million gallons of wastewater a year could be routed to the project if the agreement advances.

"That number is now colliding with a much larger question in McKinley County and across the Eastern Navajo Nation, who bears the risk if a private technology campus moves ahead in a region where water is already scarce. At a May 14 discussion, speakers raised concerns about water use, public notice and whether the project could affect the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, the long-delayed system meant to carry municipal and industrial water from the #SanJuanRiver to Gallup, the eastern #NavajoNation and the southwestern #JicarillaApache Nation."

https://www.prismnews.com/local/mckinley-nm/gallup-data-center-proposal-raises-water-jobs-and-notice

#ClimateCrisis #ExtremeDrought
#Dine #WaterIsLife #WaterShortage #NoWaterForDatacenters
#NativeAmericanNews #AIDatacenters

Unfortunately, both articles are behind paywalls -- but you get the gist...

#GallupNM #datacenter water deal draws #Navajo concerns

By Donovan Quintero | May 14, 2026

"A proposed data center on Gallup’s eastern industrial edge has raised questions about water, jobs, public notice and whether the project could affect the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.

"The Gallup City Council is considering whether to extend a long-term reclaimed water option tied to #TeraplexDataCentersLLC, a Virginia limited liability company identified in city documents as seeking to develop industrial and commercial uses, including a data center, on roughly 330 acres in Gallup.

"Public materials describe Teraplex as a modular data center and power infrastructure company focused on #AI computing, integrated power systems and factory-built infrastructure. Publicly available company materials do not clearly identify completed or operating data center campuses owned by Teraplex."

https://navajotimes.com/reznews/gallup-data-center-water-deal-draws-navajo-concerns/

Gallup data center proposal raises water, jobs and notice concerns

Marcus Williams, 5/17/2026

"A 330-acre #GallupTradeport data center could send nearly 110 million gallons of #wastewater a year into a water-stressed region already waiting on #NavajoGallup deliveries.

"Gallup City Council put off action April 29 on a wastewater deal tied to a proposed 330-acre data center in the Gallup Tradeport, and the scale alone sharpened the stakes: nearly 110 million gallons of wastewater a year could be routed to the project if the agreement advances.

"That number is now colliding with a much larger question in McKinley County and across the Eastern Navajo Nation, who bears the risk if a private technology campus moves ahead in a region where water is already scarce. At a May 14 discussion, speakers raised concerns about water use, public notice and whether the project could affect the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, the long-delayed system meant to carry municipal and industrial water from the #SanJuanRiver to Gallup, the eastern #NavajoNation and the southwestern #JicarillaApache Nation."

https://www.prismnews.com/local/mckinley-nm/gallup-data-center-proposal-raises-water-jobs-and-notice

#ClimateCrisis #ExtremeDrought
#Dine #WaterIsLife #WaterShortage #NoWaterForDatacenters
#NativeAmericanNews #AIDatacenters

Unfortunately, both articles are behind paywalls -- but you get the gist...

#GallupNM #datacenter water deal draws #Navajo concerns

By Donovan Quintero | May 14, 2026

"A proposed data center on Gallup’s eastern industrial edge has raised questions about water, jobs, public notice and whether the project could affect the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.

"The Gallup City Council is considering whether to extend a long-term reclaimed water option tied to #TeraplexDataCentersLLC, a Virginia limited liability company identified in city documents as seeking to develop industrial and commercial uses, including a data center, on roughly 330 acres in Gallup.

"Public materials describe Teraplex as a modular data center and power infrastructure company focused on #AI computing, integrated power systems and factory-built infrastructure. Publicly available company materials do not clearly identify completed or operating data center campuses owned by Teraplex."

https://navajotimes.com/reznews/gallup-data-center-water-deal-draws-navajo-concerns/

Gallup data center proposal raises water, jobs and notice concerns

Marcus Williams, 5/17/2026

"A 330-acre #GallupTradeport data center could send nearly 110 million gallons of #wastewater a year into a water-stressed region already waiting on #NavajoGallup deliveries.

"Gallup City Council put off action April 29 on a wastewater deal tied to a proposed 330-acre data center in the Gallup Tradeport, and the scale alone sharpened the stakes: nearly 110 million gallons of wastewater a year could be routed to the project if the agreement advances.

"That number is now colliding with a much larger question in McKinley County and across the Eastern Navajo Nation, who bears the risk if a private technology campus moves ahead in a region where water is already scarce. At a May 14 discussion, speakers raised concerns about water use, public notice and whether the project could affect the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, the long-delayed system meant to carry municipal and industrial water from the #SanJuanRiver to Gallup, the eastern #NavajoNation and the southwestern #JicarillaApache Nation."

https://www.prismnews.com/local/mckinley-nm/gallup-data-center-proposal-raises-water-jobs-and-notice

#ClimateCrisis #ExtremeDrought
#Dine #WaterIsLife #WaterShortage #NoWaterForDatacenters
#NativeAmericanNews #AIDatacenters

Unfortunately, both articles are behind paywalls -- but you get the gist...

#GallupNM #datacenter water deal draws #Navajo concerns

By Donovan Quintero | May 14, 2026

"A proposed data center on Gallup’s eastern industrial edge has raised questions about water, jobs, public notice and whether the project could affect the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.

"The Gallup City Council is considering whether to extend a long-term reclaimed water option tied to #TeraplexDataCentersLLC, a Virginia limited liability company identified in city documents as seeking to develop industrial and commercial uses, including a data center, on roughly 330 acres in Gallup.

"Public materials describe Teraplex as a modular data center and power infrastructure company focused on #AI computing, integrated power systems and factory-built infrastructure. Publicly available company materials do not clearly identify completed or operating data center campuses owned by Teraplex."

https://navajotimes.com/reznews/gallup-data-center-water-deal-draws-navajo-concerns/

Gallup data center proposal raises water, jobs and notice concerns

Marcus Williams, 5/17/2026

"A 330-acre #GallupTradeport data center could send nearly 110 million gallons of #wastewater a year into a water-stressed region already waiting on #NavajoGallup deliveries.

"Gallup City Council put off action April 29 on a wastewater deal tied to a proposed 330-acre data center in the Gallup Tradeport, and the scale alone sharpened the stakes: nearly 110 million gallons of wastewater a year could be routed to the project if the agreement advances.

"That number is now colliding with a much larger question in McKinley County and across the Eastern Navajo Nation, who bears the risk if a private technology campus moves ahead in a region where water is already scarce. At a May 14 discussion, speakers raised concerns about water use, public notice and whether the project could affect the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, the long-delayed system meant to carry municipal and industrial water from the #SanJuanRiver to Gallup, the eastern #NavajoNation and the southwestern #JicarillaApache Nation."

https://www.prismnews.com/local/mckinley-nm/gallup-data-center-proposal-raises-water-jobs-and-notice

#ClimateCrisis #ExtremeDrought
#Dine #WaterIsLife #WaterShortage #NoWaterForDatacenters
#NativeAmericanNews #AIDatacenters

#NavajoNation Declares #DroughtEmergency as President #BuuNygren Signs Order

by Levi Rickert June 11, 2026

Excerpt: "Commission members advanced the declaration after reviewing worsening #drought conditions across the region and considering recent emergency actions taken by #Arizona and #NewMexico. State officials have pointed to persistent drought, below-average precipitation, elevated #wildfire risks, and growing impacts on #WaterResources and agriculture.

"The commission also reviewed U.S. Drought Monitor data showing that Arizona experienced its hottest and driest January-through-March period on record in 2026, with extreme drought persisting across portions of #Navajo, #Apache, and #Coconino counties.

"To address the crisis, the declaration recommends that the Division of Natural Resources move forward with drought mitigation infrastructure projects, including repairs to #windmills and improvements to livestock #WaterStorage systems.

"The commission also recommended allocating $6,553,730 from the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund to support drought mitigation efforts, including windmill repairs and related water infrastructure improvements.

"In addition, Navajo Nation chapters are encouraged to activate local emergency mitigation plans and coordinate with Administrative Service Centers, the Division of Community Development, the Department of Emergency Management, and other entities to strengthen preparedness and response efforts."

Read more:
https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/navajo-nation-declares-drought-emergency-as-president-buu-nygren-signs-order/

#ClimateCrisis #ExtremeDrought #Dine #WaterIsLife #NoWaterForDatacenters #NativeAmericanNews

#NavajoNation Declares #DroughtEmergency as President #BuuNygren Signs Order

by Levi Rickert June 11, 2026

Excerpt: "Commission members advanced the declaration after reviewing worsening #drought conditions across the region and considering recent emergency actions taken by #Arizona and #NewMexico. State officials have pointed to persistent drought, below-average precipitation, elevated #wildfire risks, and growing impacts on #WaterResources and agriculture.

"The commission also reviewed U.S. Drought Monitor data showing that Arizona experienced its hottest and driest January-through-March period on record in 2026, with extreme drought persisting across portions of #Navajo, #Apache, and #Coconino counties.

"To address the crisis, the declaration recommends that the Division of Natural Resources move forward with drought mitigation infrastructure projects, including repairs to #windmills and improvements to livestock #WaterStorage systems.

"The commission also recommended allocating $6,553,730 from the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund to support drought mitigation efforts, including windmill repairs and related water infrastructure improvements.

"In addition, Navajo Nation chapters are encouraged to activate local emergency mitigation plans and coordinate with Administrative Service Centers, the Division of Community Development, the Department of Emergency Management, and other entities to strengthen preparedness and response efforts."

Read more:
https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/navajo-nation-declares-drought-emergency-as-president-buu-nygren-signs-order/

#ClimateCrisis #ExtremeDrought #Dine #WaterIsLife #NoWaterForDatacenters #NativeAmericanNews

#NavajoNation Declares #DroughtEmergency as President #BuuNygren Signs Order

by Levi Rickert June 11, 2026

Excerpt: "Commission members advanced the declaration after reviewing worsening #drought conditions across the region and considering recent emergency actions taken by #Arizona and #NewMexico. State officials have pointed to persistent drought, below-average precipitation, elevated #wildfire risks, and growing impacts on #WaterResources and agriculture.

"The commission also reviewed U.S. Drought Monitor data showing that Arizona experienced its hottest and driest January-through-March period on record in 2026, with extreme drought persisting across portions of #Navajo, #Apache, and #Coconino counties.

"To address the crisis, the declaration recommends that the Division of Natural Resources move forward with drought mitigation infrastructure projects, including repairs to #windmills and improvements to livestock #WaterStorage systems.

"The commission also recommended allocating $6,553,730 from the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund to support drought mitigation efforts, including windmill repairs and related water infrastructure improvements.

"In addition, Navajo Nation chapters are encouraged to activate local emergency mitigation plans and coordinate with Administrative Service Centers, the Division of Community Development, the Department of Emergency Management, and other entities to strengthen preparedness and response efforts."

Read more:
https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/navajo-nation-declares-drought-emergency-as-president-buu-nygren-signs-order/

#ClimateCrisis #ExtremeDrought #Dine #WaterIsLife #NoWaterForDatacenters #NativeAmericanNews

#NavajoNation Declares #DroughtEmergency as President #BuuNygren Signs Order

by Levi Rickert June 11, 2026

Excerpt: "Commission members advanced the declaration after reviewing worsening #drought conditions across the region and considering recent emergency actions taken by #Arizona and #NewMexico. State officials have pointed to persistent drought, below-average precipitation, elevated #wildfire risks, and growing impacts on #WaterResources and agriculture.

"The commission also reviewed U.S. Drought Monitor data showing that Arizona experienced its hottest and driest January-through-March period on record in 2026, with extreme drought persisting across portions of #Navajo, #Apache, and #Coconino counties.

"To address the crisis, the declaration recommends that the Division of Natural Resources move forward with drought mitigation infrastructure projects, including repairs to #windmills and improvements to livestock #WaterStorage systems.

"The commission also recommended allocating $6,553,730 from the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund to support drought mitigation efforts, including windmill repairs and related water infrastructure improvements.

"In addition, Navajo Nation chapters are encouraged to activate local emergency mitigation plans and coordinate with Administrative Service Centers, the Division of Community Development, the Department of Emergency Management, and other entities to strengthen preparedness and response efforts."

Read more:
https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/navajo-nation-declares-drought-emergency-as-president-buu-nygren-signs-order/

#ClimateCrisis #ExtremeDrought #Dine #WaterIsLife #NoWaterForDatacenters #NativeAmericanNews

#NavajoNation Declares #DroughtEmergency as President #BuuNygren Signs Order

by Levi Rickert June 11, 2026

Excerpt: "Commission members advanced the declaration after reviewing worsening #drought conditions across the region and considering recent emergency actions taken by #Arizona and #NewMexico. State officials have pointed to persistent drought, below-average precipitation, elevated #wildfire risks, and growing impacts on #WaterResources and agriculture.

"The commission also reviewed U.S. Drought Monitor data showing that Arizona experienced its hottest and driest January-through-March period on record in 2026, with extreme drought persisting across portions of #Navajo, #Apache, and #Coconino counties.

"To address the crisis, the declaration recommends that the Division of Natural Resources move forward with drought mitigation infrastructure projects, including repairs to #windmills and improvements to livestock #WaterStorage systems.

"The commission also recommended allocating $6,553,730 from the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund to support drought mitigation efforts, including windmill repairs and related water infrastructure improvements.

"In addition, Navajo Nation chapters are encouraged to activate local emergency mitigation plans and coordinate with Administrative Service Centers, the Division of Community Development, the Department of Emergency Management, and other entities to strengthen preparedness and response efforts."

Read more:
https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/navajo-nation-declares-drought-emergency-as-president-buu-nygren-signs-order/

#ClimateCrisis #ExtremeDrought #Dine #WaterIsLife #NoWaterForDatacenters #NativeAmericanNews

Gastonia urges voluntary water conservation after Stage 1 drought declared: What this means

GASTONIA, N.C (WB…
#NewsBeep #News #US #USA #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Environment #BlueRidgeMountains #catawba #catawbariverbasin #conservation #Drought #extremedrought #Farmers #gastoncounty #lakenorman #lakewylie #LincolnCounty #MecklenburgCounty #naturaldisaster #northcarolina #Science #severedrought #SouthCarolina #Watershortages #Wateruse #WilkesCounty
https://www.newsbeep.com/us/593067/

Gastonia urges voluntary water conservation after Stage 1 drought declared: What this means

GASTONIA, N.C (WB…
#NewsBeep #News #US #USA #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Environment #BlueRidgeMountains #catawba #catawbariverbasin #conservation #Drought #extremedrought #Farmers #gastoncounty #lakenorman #lakewylie #LincolnCounty #MecklenburgCounty #naturaldisaster #northcarolina #Science #severedrought #SouthCarolina #Watershortages #Wateruse #WilkesCounty
https://www.newsbeep.com/us/593067/

#Wildflowers evolved fast enough to survive a historic #drought

By Andrei Ionescu
March 13, 2026

Excerpt: "A potted #ScarletMonkeyFlower can look fine one day and collapse a few days later if you forget to water it. But out in the wild, some populations of this same species made it through #California’s brutal four-year drought.

"The wildflowers didn’t survive because the drought 'wasn’t that bad,' or because the plants found hidden water. They survived because, according to a new study, they evolved fast enough to keep up.

"The researchers tracked scarlet monkeyflower populations in #Oregon and California for more than a decade.

"The team reports something scientists have long discussed but rarely captured in nature from start to finish: climate-driven decline, rapid genetic adaptation across the whole genome, and then recovery in some populations.

"In other words, '#EvolutionaryRescue' happening in the real world, not just in theory or in lab experiments."

Read more:
https://www.earth.com/news/wildflowers-evolved-fast-enough-to-survive-a-historic-drought/

#Superblooms #Evolution #ClimateChangeAdaptation #Flowers #ClimateChange #ExtremeDrought #Wildflowers

#Wildflowers evolved fast enough to survive a historic #drought

By Andrei Ionescu
March 13, 2026

Excerpt: "A potted #ScarletMonkeyFlower can look fine one day and collapse a few days later if you forget to water it. But out in the wild, some populations of this same species made it through #California’s brutal four-year drought.

"The wildflowers didn’t survive because the drought 'wasn’t that bad,' or because the plants found hidden water. They survived because, according to a new study, they evolved fast enough to keep up.

"The researchers tracked scarlet monkeyflower populations in #Oregon and California for more than a decade.

"The team reports something scientists have long discussed but rarely captured in nature from start to finish: climate-driven decline, rapid genetic adaptation across the whole genome, and then recovery in some populations.

"In other words, '#EvolutionaryRescue' happening in the real world, not just in theory or in lab experiments."

Read more:
https://www.earth.com/news/wildflowers-evolved-fast-enough-to-survive-a-historic-drought/

#Superblooms #Evolution #ClimateChangeAdaptation #Flowers #ClimateChange #ExtremeDrought #Wildflowers

#Wildflowers evolved fast enough to survive a historic #drought

By Andrei Ionescu
March 13, 2026

Excerpt: "A potted #ScarletMonkeyFlower can look fine one day and collapse a few days later if you forget to water it. But out in the wild, some populations of this same species made it through #California’s brutal four-year drought.

"The wildflowers didn’t survive because the drought 'wasn’t that bad,' or because the plants found hidden water. They survived because, according to a new study, they evolved fast enough to keep up.

"The researchers tracked scarlet monkeyflower populations in #Oregon and California for more than a decade.

"The team reports something scientists have long discussed but rarely captured in nature from start to finish: climate-driven decline, rapid genetic adaptation across the whole genome, and then recovery in some populations.

"In other words, '#EvolutionaryRescue' happening in the real world, not just in theory or in lab experiments."

Read more:
https://www.earth.com/news/wildflowers-evolved-fast-enough-to-survive-a-historic-drought/

#Superblooms #Evolution #ClimateChangeAdaptation #Flowers #ClimateChange #ExtremeDrought #Wildflowers

#Wildflowers evolved fast enough to survive a historic #drought

By Andrei Ionescu
March 13, 2026

Excerpt: "A potted #ScarletMonkeyFlower can look fine one day and collapse a few days later if you forget to water it. But out in the wild, some populations of this same species made it through #California’s brutal four-year drought.

"The wildflowers didn’t survive because the drought 'wasn’t that bad,' or because the plants found hidden water. They survived because, according to a new study, they evolved fast enough to keep up.

"The researchers tracked scarlet monkeyflower populations in #Oregon and California for more than a decade.

"The team reports something scientists have long discussed but rarely captured in nature from start to finish: climate-driven decline, rapid genetic adaptation across the whole genome, and then recovery in some populations.

"In other words, '#EvolutionaryRescue' happening in the real world, not just in theory or in lab experiments."

Read more:
https://www.earth.com/news/wildflowers-evolved-fast-enough-to-survive-a-historic-drought/

#Superblooms #Evolution #ClimateChangeAdaptation #Flowers #ClimateChange #ExtremeDrought #Wildflowers

#Wildflowers evolved fast enough to survive a historic #drought

By Andrei Ionescu
March 13, 2026

Excerpt: "A potted #ScarletMonkeyFlower can look fine one day and collapse a few days later if you forget to water it. But out in the wild, some populations of this same species made it through #California’s brutal four-year drought.

"The wildflowers didn’t survive because the drought 'wasn’t that bad,' or because the plants found hidden water. They survived because, according to a new study, they evolved fast enough to keep up.

"The researchers tracked scarlet monkeyflower populations in #Oregon and California for more than a decade.

"The team reports something scientists have long discussed but rarely captured in nature from start to finish: climate-driven decline, rapid genetic adaptation across the whole genome, and then recovery in some populations.

"In other words, '#EvolutionaryRescue' happening in the real world, not just in theory or in lab experiments."

Read more:
https://www.earth.com/news/wildflowers-evolved-fast-enough-to-survive-a-historic-drought/

#Superblooms #Evolution #ClimateChangeAdaptation #Flowers #ClimateChange #ExtremeDrought #Wildflowers

What's on my mind? Well, that #Maine is still very much in drought (despite the snow). And with dry and unseasonably hot weather (close to 60 F is forecast) on the horizon for next week, it does NOT bode well...

#MaineWx #ClimateChange #ClimateDiaryMaine #ExtremeDrought #SevereDrought #DroughtMonitor

What's on my mind? Well, that #Maine is still very much in drought (despite the snow). And with dry and unseasonably hot weather (close to 60 F is forecast) on the horizon for next week, it does NOT bode well...

#MaineWx #ClimateChange #ClimateDiaryMaine #ExtremeDrought #SevereDrought #DroughtMonitor

What's on my mind? Well, that #Maine is still very much in drought (despite the snow). And with dry and unseasonably hot weather (close to 60 F is forecast) on the horizon for next week, it does NOT bode well...

#MaineWx #ClimateChange #ClimateDiaryMaine #ExtremeDrought #SevereDrought #DroughtMonitor

What's on my mind? Well, that #Maine is still very much in drought (despite the snow). And with dry and unseasonably hot weather (close to 60 F is forecast) on the horizon for next week, it does NOT bode well...

#MaineWx #ClimateChange #ClimateDiaryMaine #ExtremeDrought #SevereDrought #DroughtMonitor

What's on my mind? Well, that #Maine is still very much in drought (despite the snow). And with dry and unseasonably hot weather (close to 60 F is forecast) on the horizon for next week, it does NOT bode well...

#MaineWx #ClimateChange #ClimateDiaryMaine #ExtremeDrought #SevereDrought #DroughtMonitor

Persistent #drought takes toll on #Maine #farmers

After a wet spring, farmers hoped for blue summer skies, but also got a drought that caused crop losses and may last through winter.

Penelope Overton & Robert Lowell, October 5, 2025

"This year, Maine saw its sixth-driest summer on record, with nearly 3 fewer inches of rain than the historical average of 11 inches, according to the National Weather Service. As of Oct. 2, more than half of the state was in severe or extreme drought.

"The Maine agricultural economy is grappling with significant long-term repercussions from the persistent drought, which deprived crops of critical water in July and August and now threatens next year’s harvests, state officials said Thursday at a meeting of the state’s Drought Task Force.
The drought has caused reductions in hay crops, shortened the season for many row crops, resulting in smaller harvests, and it could hurt next year’s berry and tree fruit, according to Tom Gordon, soil and water conservation program coordinator at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

" 'For agriculture, timing is everything,' Gordon said. 'Consistency of precipitation is what’s essential and we can’t in agriculture really catch up on lost precipitation. We need about 1 inch of water per week for crops, and that was lacking during the critical growing season.' "

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/10/05/persistent-drought-takes-toll-on-maine-farmers/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/URhAj

#MaineDrought #ClimateDiaryMaine #ExtremeDrought #ClimateChange

Persistent #drought takes toll on #Maine #farmers

After a wet spring, farmers hoped for blue summer skies, but also got a drought that caused crop losses and may last through winter.

Penelope Overton & Robert Lowell, October 5, 2025

"This year, Maine saw its sixth-driest summer on record, with nearly 3 fewer inches of rain than the historical average of 11 inches, according to the National Weather Service. As of Oct. 2, more than half of the state was in severe or extreme drought.

"The Maine agricultural economy is grappling with significant long-term repercussions from the persistent drought, which deprived crops of critical water in July and August and now threatens next year’s harvests, state officials said Thursday at a meeting of the state’s Drought Task Force.
The drought has caused reductions in hay crops, shortened the season for many row crops, resulting in smaller harvests, and it could hurt next year’s berry and tree fruit, according to Tom Gordon, soil and water conservation program coordinator at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

" 'For agriculture, timing is everything,' Gordon said. 'Consistency of precipitation is what’s essential and we can’t in agriculture really catch up on lost precipitation. We need about 1 inch of water per week for crops, and that was lacking during the critical growing season.' "

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/10/05/persistent-drought-takes-toll-on-maine-farmers/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/URhAj

#MaineDrought #ClimateDiaryMaine #ExtremeDrought #ClimateChange

Persistent #drought takes toll on #Maine #farmers

After a wet spring, farmers hoped for blue summer skies, but also got a drought that caused crop losses and may last through winter.

Penelope Overton & Robert Lowell, October 5, 2025

"This year, Maine saw its sixth-driest summer on record, with nearly 3 fewer inches of rain than the historical average of 11 inches, according to the National Weather Service. As of Oct. 2, more than half of the state was in severe or extreme drought.

"The Maine agricultural economy is grappling with significant long-term repercussions from the persistent drought, which deprived crops of critical water in July and August and now threatens next year’s harvests, state officials said Thursday at a meeting of the state’s Drought Task Force.
The drought has caused reductions in hay crops, shortened the season for many row crops, resulting in smaller harvests, and it could hurt next year’s berry and tree fruit, according to Tom Gordon, soil and water conservation program coordinator at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

" 'For agriculture, timing is everything,' Gordon said. 'Consistency of precipitation is what’s essential and we can’t in agriculture really catch up on lost precipitation. We need about 1 inch of water per week for crops, and that was lacking during the critical growing season.' "

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/10/05/persistent-drought-takes-toll-on-maine-farmers/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/URhAj

#MaineDrought #ClimateDiaryMaine #ExtremeDrought #ClimateChange

Persistent #drought takes toll on #Maine #farmers

After a wet spring, farmers hoped for blue summer skies, but also got a drought that caused crop losses and may last through winter.

Penelope Overton & Robert Lowell, October 5, 2025

"This year, Maine saw its sixth-driest summer on record, with nearly 3 fewer inches of rain than the historical average of 11 inches, according to the National Weather Service. As of Oct. 2, more than half of the state was in severe or extreme drought.

"The Maine agricultural economy is grappling with significant long-term repercussions from the persistent drought, which deprived crops of critical water in July and August and now threatens next year’s harvests, state officials said Thursday at a meeting of the state’s Drought Task Force.
The drought has caused reductions in hay crops, shortened the season for many row crops, resulting in smaller harvests, and it could hurt next year’s berry and tree fruit, according to Tom Gordon, soil and water conservation program coordinator at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

" 'For agriculture, timing is everything,' Gordon said. 'Consistency of precipitation is what’s essential and we can’t in agriculture really catch up on lost precipitation. We need about 1 inch of water per week for crops, and that was lacking during the critical growing season.' "

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/10/05/persistent-drought-takes-toll-on-maine-farmers/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/URhAj

#MaineDrought #ClimateDiaryMaine #ExtremeDrought #ClimateChange

Persistent #drought takes toll on #Maine #farmers

After a wet spring, farmers hoped for blue summer skies, but also got a drought that caused crop losses and may last through winter.

Penelope Overton & Robert Lowell, October 5, 2025

"This year, Maine saw its sixth-driest summer on record, with nearly 3 fewer inches of rain than the historical average of 11 inches, according to the National Weather Service. As of Oct. 2, more than half of the state was in severe or extreme drought.

"The Maine agricultural economy is grappling with significant long-term repercussions from the persistent drought, which deprived crops of critical water in July and August and now threatens next year’s harvests, state officials said Thursday at a meeting of the state’s Drought Task Force.
The drought has caused reductions in hay crops, shortened the season for many row crops, resulting in smaller harvests, and it could hurt next year’s berry and tree fruit, according to Tom Gordon, soil and water conservation program coordinator at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

" 'For agriculture, timing is everything,' Gordon said. 'Consistency of precipitation is what’s essential and we can’t in agriculture really catch up on lost precipitation. We need about 1 inch of water per week for crops, and that was lacking during the critical growing season.' "

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/10/05/persistent-drought-takes-toll-on-maine-farmers/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/URhAj

#MaineDrought #ClimateDiaryMaine #ExtremeDrought #ClimateChange

Large parts of New England are facing #WaterRestrictions amid rare #drought conditions

Ayesha Rascoe, October 5, 2025

"RASCOE: When you think of droughts, the first place that comes to mind probably isn't New England, but a dry summer has led to low water levels in large parts of Massachusetts. Most of the state is under significant drought conditions, and that means water restrictions and an increased risk of brush fires. To talk about this and when it may end, we turn to Ken Mahan. He's the lead meteorologist at The Boston Globe. Welcome to the program.

KEN MAHAN: Thanks for having me, Ayesha.

RASCOE: How bad are these drought conditions throughout the state right now?

MAHAN: So the entire state as a whole is running what we call abnormally dry, which means that we've seen a prolonged period of precipitation reaching substantially below average. The Capes specifically are in a level of severe and moderate drought, and along Route 2 in northern Massachusetts is in a moderate drought as well, all stemming from the beginning of summer after a rather wet spring. But yes, this is becoming more common, and unfortunately, we've seen back to back and now back summers where we've seen less than average precipitation across the state.

RASCOE: Well, can I ask you - you said that it's becoming more common. We always have to ask, like, is this climate change?

MAHAN: Yeah, unfortunately, a big piece of it is climate change. When you do have a warming atmosphere and warming sea surface temperatures, then that is going to naturally change the way the atmosphere behaves. You think of the jet stream. The jet stream is the highway in which weather patterns traverse across the country. And over the last few summers, we've seen that jet stream become a little bit more to the north or diving down to the south of New England, which simply redirects storms away.

RASCOE: So what you're saying, just in layman's terms, is that the atmosphere conditions are changing, and so the jet streams are not bringing the storms and the water precipitation that they usually would to Massachusetts. They're sending them elsewhere.

MAHAN: That's absolutely correct. And also, with more heat in the atmosphere, it could hold more water vapor. And unfortunately, during the summer when we need precipitation the most, the storms that do come through are much weaker.

RASCOE: So can you give us a sense of how unusual it is for it to be this dry right now?

MAHAN: Well, you think of Massachusetts - I was looking at the data. This summer alone, Massachusetts saw anywhere between 2 to 7 inches of rain deficit from June 1. That has brought down 70% of stream flows and groundwater storages statewide, so that is a pretty significant drop. Northern New England as a whole - they saw the driest summer on record dating back nearly 130 years, with rainfall deficits over the summer reaching a foot, which is...

RASCOE: Oh.

MAHAN: ...Pretty astonishing."

Read more / listen:
https://www.npr.org/2025/10/05/nx-s1-5560912/large-parts-of-new-england-are-facing-water-restrictions-amid-rare-drought-conditions

#ClimateChange #ZeroDay? #Drought #ExtremeDrought #Massachusetts #NPR #PublicRadio #FossilFuels #FossilFools #ExxonKnew #ShellOilKnew #BigOilKnew #TrumpSucks #ClimateDiary

Large parts of New England are facing #WaterRestrictions amid rare #drought conditions

Ayesha Rascoe, October 5, 2025

"RASCOE: When you think of droughts, the first place that comes to mind probably isn't New England, but a dry summer has led to low water levels in large parts of Massachusetts. Most of the state is under significant drought conditions, and that means water restrictions and an increased risk of brush fires. To talk about this and when it may end, we turn to Ken Mahan. He's the lead meteorologist at The Boston Globe. Welcome to the program.

KEN MAHAN: Thanks for having me, Ayesha.

RASCOE: How bad are these drought conditions throughout the state right now?

MAHAN: So the entire state as a whole is running what we call abnormally dry, which means that we've seen a prolonged period of precipitation reaching substantially below average. The Capes specifically are in a level of severe and moderate drought, and along Route 2 in northern Massachusetts is in a moderate drought as well, all stemming from the beginning of summer after a rather wet spring. But yes, this is becoming more common, and unfortunately, we've seen back to back and now back summers where we've seen less than average precipitation across the state.

RASCOE: Well, can I ask you - you said that it's becoming more common. We always have to ask, like, is this climate change?

MAHAN: Yeah, unfortunately, a big piece of it is climate change. When you do have a warming atmosphere and warming sea surface temperatures, then that is going to naturally change the way the atmosphere behaves. You think of the jet stream. The jet stream is the highway in which weather patterns traverse across the country. And over the last few summers, we've seen that jet stream become a little bit more to the north or diving down to the south of New England, which simply redirects storms away.

RASCOE: So what you're saying, just in layman's terms, is that the atmosphere conditions are changing, and so the jet streams are not bringing the storms and the water precipitation that they usually would to Massachusetts. They're sending them elsewhere.

MAHAN: That's absolutely correct. And also, with more heat in the atmosphere, it could hold more water vapor. And unfortunately, during the summer when we need precipitation the most, the storms that do come through are much weaker.

RASCOE: So can you give us a sense of how unusual it is for it to be this dry right now?

MAHAN: Well, you think of Massachusetts - I was looking at the data. This summer alone, Massachusetts saw anywhere between 2 to 7 inches of rain deficit from June 1. That has brought down 70% of stream flows and groundwater storages statewide, so that is a pretty significant drop. Northern New England as a whole - they saw the driest summer on record dating back nearly 130 years, with rainfall deficits over the summer reaching a foot, which is...

RASCOE: Oh.

MAHAN: ...Pretty astonishing."

Read more / listen:
https://www.npr.org/2025/10/05/nx-s1-5560912/large-parts-of-new-england-are-facing-water-restrictions-amid-rare-drought-conditions

#ClimateChange #ZeroDay? #Drought #ExtremeDrought #Massachusetts #NPR #PublicRadio #FossilFuels #FossilFools #ExxonKnew #ShellOilKnew #BigOilKnew #TrumpSucks #ClimateDiary

Large parts of New England are facing #WaterRestrictions amid rare #drought conditions

Ayesha Rascoe, October 5, 2025

"RASCOE: When you think of droughts, the first place that comes to mind probably isn't New England, but a dry summer has led to low water levels in large parts of Massachusetts. Most of the state is under significant drought conditions, and that means water restrictions and an increased risk of brush fires. To talk about this and when it may end, we turn to Ken Mahan. He's the lead meteorologist at The Boston Globe. Welcome to the program.

KEN MAHAN: Thanks for having me, Ayesha.

RASCOE: How bad are these drought conditions throughout the state right now?

MAHAN: So the entire state as a whole is running what we call abnormally dry, which means that we've seen a prolonged period of precipitation reaching substantially below average. The Capes specifically are in a level of severe and moderate drought, and along Route 2 in northern Massachusetts is in a moderate drought as well, all stemming from the beginning of summer after a rather wet spring. But yes, this is becoming more common, and unfortunately, we've seen back to back and now back summers where we've seen less than average precipitation across the state.

RASCOE: Well, can I ask you - you said that it's becoming more common. We always have to ask, like, is this climate change?

MAHAN: Yeah, unfortunately, a big piece of it is climate change. When you do have a warming atmosphere and warming sea surface temperatures, then that is going to naturally change the way the atmosphere behaves. You think of the jet stream. The jet stream is the highway in which weather patterns traverse across the country. And over the last few summers, we've seen that jet stream become a little bit more to the north or diving down to the south of New England, which simply redirects storms away.

RASCOE: So what you're saying, just in layman's terms, is that the atmosphere conditions are changing, and so the jet streams are not bringing the storms and the water precipitation that they usually would to Massachusetts. They're sending them elsewhere.

MAHAN: That's absolutely correct. And also, with more heat in the atmosphere, it could hold more water vapor. And unfortunately, during the summer when we need precipitation the most, the storms that do come through are much weaker.

RASCOE: So can you give us a sense of how unusual it is for it to be this dry right now?

MAHAN: Well, you think of Massachusetts - I was looking at the data. This summer alone, Massachusetts saw anywhere between 2 to 7 inches of rain deficit from June 1. That has brought down 70% of stream flows and groundwater storages statewide, so that is a pretty significant drop. Northern New England as a whole - they saw the driest summer on record dating back nearly 130 years, with rainfall deficits over the summer reaching a foot, which is...

RASCOE: Oh.

MAHAN: ...Pretty astonishing."

Read more / listen:
https://www.npr.org/2025/10/05/nx-s1-5560912/large-parts-of-new-england-are-facing-water-restrictions-amid-rare-drought-conditions

#ClimateChange #ZeroDay? #Drought #ExtremeDrought #Massachusetts #NPR #PublicRadio #FossilFuels #FossilFools #ExxonKnew #ShellOilKnew #BigOilKnew #TrumpSucks #ClimateDiary

Large parts of New England are facing #WaterRestrictions amid rare #drought conditions

Ayesha Rascoe, October 5, 2025

"RASCOE: When you think of droughts, the first place that comes to mind probably isn't New England, but a dry summer has led to low water levels in large parts of Massachusetts. Most of the state is under significant drought conditions, and that means water restrictions and an increased risk of brush fires. To talk about this and when it may end, we turn to Ken Mahan. He's the lead meteorologist at The Boston Globe. Welcome to the program.

KEN MAHAN: Thanks for having me, Ayesha.

RASCOE: How bad are these drought conditions throughout the state right now?

MAHAN: So the entire state as a whole is running what we call abnormally dry, which means that we've seen a prolonged period of precipitation reaching substantially below average. The Capes specifically are in a level of severe and moderate drought, and along Route 2 in northern Massachusetts is in a moderate drought as well, all stemming from the beginning of summer after a rather wet spring. But yes, this is becoming more common, and unfortunately, we've seen back to back and now back summers where we've seen less than average precipitation across the state.

RASCOE: Well, can I ask you - you said that it's becoming more common. We always have to ask, like, is this climate change?

MAHAN: Yeah, unfortunately, a big piece of it is climate change. When you do have a warming atmosphere and warming sea surface temperatures, then that is going to naturally change the way the atmosphere behaves. You think of the jet stream. The jet stream is the highway in which weather patterns traverse across the country. And over the last few summers, we've seen that jet stream become a little bit more to the north or diving down to the south of New England, which simply redirects storms away.

RASCOE: So what you're saying, just in layman's terms, is that the atmosphere conditions are changing, and so the jet streams are not bringing the storms and the water precipitation that they usually would to Massachusetts. They're sending them elsewhere.

MAHAN: That's absolutely correct. And also, with more heat in the atmosphere, it could hold more water vapor. And unfortunately, during the summer when we need precipitation the most, the storms that do come through are much weaker.

RASCOE: So can you give us a sense of how unusual it is for it to be this dry right now?

MAHAN: Well, you think of Massachusetts - I was looking at the data. This summer alone, Massachusetts saw anywhere between 2 to 7 inches of rain deficit from June 1. That has brought down 70% of stream flows and groundwater storages statewide, so that is a pretty significant drop. Northern New England as a whole - they saw the driest summer on record dating back nearly 130 years, with rainfall deficits over the summer reaching a foot, which is...

RASCOE: Oh.

MAHAN: ...Pretty astonishing."

Read more / listen:
https://www.npr.org/2025/10/05/nx-s1-5560912/large-parts-of-new-england-are-facing-water-restrictions-amid-rare-drought-conditions

#ClimateChange #ZeroDay? #Drought #ExtremeDrought #Massachusetts #NPR #PublicRadio #FossilFuels #FossilFools #ExxonKnew #ShellOilKnew #BigOilKnew #TrumpSucks #ClimateDiary

Large parts of New England are facing #WaterRestrictions amid rare #drought conditions

Ayesha Rascoe, October 5, 2025

"RASCOE: When you think of droughts, the first place that comes to mind probably isn't New England, but a dry summer has led to low water levels in large parts of Massachusetts. Most of the state is under significant drought conditions, and that means water restrictions and an increased risk of brush fires. To talk about this and when it may end, we turn to Ken Mahan. He's the lead meteorologist at The Boston Globe. Welcome to the program.

KEN MAHAN: Thanks for having me, Ayesha.

RASCOE: How bad are these drought conditions throughout the state right now?

MAHAN: So the entire state as a whole is running what we call abnormally dry, which means that we've seen a prolonged period of precipitation reaching substantially below average. The Capes specifically are in a level of severe and moderate drought, and along Route 2 in northern Massachusetts is in a moderate drought as well, all stemming from the beginning of summer after a rather wet spring. But yes, this is becoming more common, and unfortunately, we've seen back to back and now back summers where we've seen less than average precipitation across the state.

RASCOE: Well, can I ask you - you said that it's becoming more common. We always have to ask, like, is this climate change?

MAHAN: Yeah, unfortunately, a big piece of it is climate change. When you do have a warming atmosphere and warming sea surface temperatures, then that is going to naturally change the way the atmosphere behaves. You think of the jet stream. The jet stream is the highway in which weather patterns traverse across the country. And over the last few summers, we've seen that jet stream become a little bit more to the north or diving down to the south of New England, which simply redirects storms away.

RASCOE: So what you're saying, just in layman's terms, is that the atmosphere conditions are changing, and so the jet streams are not bringing the storms and the water precipitation that they usually would to Massachusetts. They're sending them elsewhere.

MAHAN: That's absolutely correct. And also, with more heat in the atmosphere, it could hold more water vapor. And unfortunately, during the summer when we need precipitation the most, the storms that do come through are much weaker.

RASCOE: So can you give us a sense of how unusual it is for it to be this dry right now?

MAHAN: Well, you think of Massachusetts - I was looking at the data. This summer alone, Massachusetts saw anywhere between 2 to 7 inches of rain deficit from June 1. That has brought down 70% of stream flows and groundwater storages statewide, so that is a pretty significant drop. Northern New England as a whole - they saw the driest summer on record dating back nearly 130 years, with rainfall deficits over the summer reaching a foot, which is...

RASCOE: Oh.

MAHAN: ...Pretty astonishing."

Read more / listen:
https://www.npr.org/2025/10/05/nx-s1-5560912/large-parts-of-new-england-are-facing-water-restrictions-amid-rare-drought-conditions

#ClimateChange #ZeroDay? #Drought #ExtremeDrought #Massachusetts #NPR #PublicRadio #FossilFuels #FossilFools #ExxonKnew #ShellOilKnew #BigOilKnew #TrumpSucks #ClimateDiary

#Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Climate Summary – August 2025

"Globally, August 2025 is the third hottest on record with the hottest and second-hottest Augusts occurring in 2023 and 2024, respectively. In Maine, August temperatures ranged from normal to slightly above average, with an overall average temperature of 64.8°F – roughly 1.8°F warmer than normal historical temperatures. Mid-August brought record-breaking high temperatures in Caribou at 94°F, and Millinocket at 95°F, with a heat wave that carried through much of the state. Temperatures are expected to return to normal through September and are likely be above average from October through January (National Weather Service).

Total rainfall statewide was below normal in August with an average total of only 1.93 inches, which is approximately 1.58 inches less than historic averages for the state in August. As the pattern of reduced rainfall this summer continues into September, we are continuing to see consistent #drought conditions for much of the state. At the end of August, an estimated 86% of Maine was experiencing some level of drought, and approximately 53% of those areas affected were under severe drought conditions. With a continued rainfall deficit, drought in the southern two-thirds of Maine will persist into September, but may decline over the coming months as rain totals are expected to be close to normal in October and November (National Weather Service). Soil moisture is forecasted to be below 70% percentile for much of the state through October (U.S. Drought Monitor).

Severe drought conditions may lead to yellowing foliage, premature leaf drop, dry soil, low water levels in streams, reservoirs, and wells, and, at times, can lead to increased fire danger. Maine Forest Service (#MFS) Rangers continue to recommend checking the daily Wildfire Danger Report and consult with local fire officials before conducting any open burning."

Source: Emailed newsletter

#ClimateChange #ClimateDiary #ExtremeHeat #RecordBreaking #ExtremeDrought #MaineClimateDiary #ClimateDiaryMaine #MDACF

#Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Climate Summary – August 2025

"Globally, August 2025 is the third hottest on record with the hottest and second-hottest Augusts occurring in 2023 and 2024, respectively. In Maine, August temperatures ranged from normal to slightly above average, with an overall average temperature of 64.8°F – roughly 1.8°F warmer than normal historical temperatures. Mid-August brought record-breaking high temperatures in Caribou at 94°F, and Millinocket at 95°F, with a heat wave that carried through much of the state. Temperatures are expected to return to normal through September and are likely be above average from October through January (National Weather Service).

Total rainfall statewide was below normal in August with an average total of only 1.93 inches, which is approximately 1.58 inches less than historic averages for the state in August. As the pattern of reduced rainfall this summer continues into September, we are continuing to see consistent #drought conditions for much of the state. At the end of August, an estimated 86% of Maine was experiencing some level of drought, and approximately 53% of those areas affected were under severe drought conditions. With a continued rainfall deficit, drought in the southern two-thirds of Maine will persist into September, but may decline over the coming months as rain totals are expected to be close to normal in October and November (National Weather Service). Soil moisture is forecasted to be below 70% percentile for much of the state through October (U.S. Drought Monitor).

Severe drought conditions may lead to yellowing foliage, premature leaf drop, dry soil, low water levels in streams, reservoirs, and wells, and, at times, can lead to increased fire danger. Maine Forest Service (#MFS) Rangers continue to recommend checking the daily Wildfire Danger Report and consult with local fire officials before conducting any open burning."

Source: Emailed newsletter

#ClimateChange #ClimateDiary #ExtremeHeat #RecordBreaking #ExtremeDrought #MaineClimateDiary #ClimateDiaryMaine #MDACF

#Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Climate Summary – August 2025

"Globally, August 2025 is the third hottest on record with the hottest and second-hottest Augusts occurring in 2023 and 2024, respectively. In Maine, August temperatures ranged from normal to slightly above average, with an overall average temperature of 64.8°F – roughly 1.8°F warmer than normal historical temperatures. Mid-August brought record-breaking high temperatures in Caribou at 94°F, and Millinocket at 95°F, with a heat wave that carried through much of the state. Temperatures are expected to return to normal through September and are likely be above average from October through January (National Weather Service).

Total rainfall statewide was below normal in August with an average total of only 1.93 inches, which is approximately 1.58 inches less than historic averages for the state in August. As the pattern of reduced rainfall this summer continues into September, we are continuing to see consistent #drought conditions for much of the state. At the end of August, an estimated 86% of Maine was experiencing some level of drought, and approximately 53% of those areas affected were under severe drought conditions. With a continued rainfall deficit, drought in the southern two-thirds of Maine will persist into September, but may decline over the coming months as rain totals are expected to be close to normal in October and November (National Weather Service). Soil moisture is forecasted to be below 70% percentile for much of the state through October (U.S. Drought Monitor).

Severe drought conditions may lead to yellowing foliage, premature leaf drop, dry soil, low water levels in streams, reservoirs, and wells, and, at times, can lead to increased fire danger. Maine Forest Service (#MFS) Rangers continue to recommend checking the daily Wildfire Danger Report and consult with local fire officials before conducting any open burning."

Source: Emailed newsletter

#ClimateChange #ClimateDiary #ExtremeHeat #RecordBreaking #ExtremeDrought #MaineClimateDiary #ClimateDiaryMaine #MDACF

#Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Climate Summary – August 2025

"Globally, August 2025 is the third hottest on record with the hottest and second-hottest Augusts occurring in 2023 and 2024, respectively. In Maine, August temperatures ranged from normal to slightly above average, with an overall average temperature of 64.8°F – roughly 1.8°F warmer than normal historical temperatures. Mid-August brought record-breaking high temperatures in Caribou at 94°F, and Millinocket at 95°F, with a heat wave that carried through much of the state. Temperatures are expected to return to normal through September and are likely be above average from October through January (National Weather Service).

Total rainfall statewide was below normal in August with an average total of only 1.93 inches, which is approximately 1.58 inches less than historic averages for the state in August. As the pattern of reduced rainfall this summer continues into September, we are continuing to see consistent #drought conditions for much of the state. At the end of August, an estimated 86% of Maine was experiencing some level of drought, and approximately 53% of those areas affected were under severe drought conditions. With a continued rainfall deficit, drought in the southern two-thirds of Maine will persist into September, but may decline over the coming months as rain totals are expected to be close to normal in October and November (National Weather Service). Soil moisture is forecasted to be below 70% percentile for much of the state through October (U.S. Drought Monitor).

Severe drought conditions may lead to yellowing foliage, premature leaf drop, dry soil, low water levels in streams, reservoirs, and wells, and, at times, can lead to increased fire danger. Maine Forest Service (#MFS) Rangers continue to recommend checking the daily Wildfire Danger Report and consult with local fire officials before conducting any open burning."

Source: Emailed newsletter

#ClimateChange #ClimateDiary #ExtremeHeat #RecordBreaking #ExtremeDrought #MaineClimateDiary #ClimateDiaryMaine #MDACF

#Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Climate Summary – August 2025

"Globally, August 2025 is the third hottest on record with the hottest and second-hottest Augusts occurring in 2023 and 2024, respectively. In Maine, August temperatures ranged from normal to slightly above average, with an overall average temperature of 64.8°F – roughly 1.8°F warmer than normal historical temperatures. Mid-August brought record-breaking high temperatures in Caribou at 94°F, and Millinocket at 95°F, with a heat wave that carried through much of the state. Temperatures are expected to return to normal through September and are likely be above average from October through January (National Weather Service).

Total rainfall statewide was below normal in August with an average total of only 1.93 inches, which is approximately 1.58 inches less than historic averages for the state in August. As the pattern of reduced rainfall this summer continues into September, we are continuing to see consistent #drought conditions for much of the state. At the end of August, an estimated 86% of Maine was experiencing some level of drought, and approximately 53% of those areas affected were under severe drought conditions. With a continued rainfall deficit, drought in the southern two-thirds of Maine will persist into September, but may decline over the coming months as rain totals are expected to be close to normal in October and November (National Weather Service). Soil moisture is forecasted to be below 70% percentile for much of the state through October (U.S. Drought Monitor).

Severe drought conditions may lead to yellowing foliage, premature leaf drop, dry soil, low water levels in streams, reservoirs, and wells, and, at times, can lead to increased fire danger. Maine Forest Service (#MFS) Rangers continue to recommend checking the daily Wildfire Danger Report and consult with local fire officials before conducting any open burning."

Source: Emailed newsletter

#ClimateChange #ClimateDiary #ExtremeHeat #RecordBreaking #ExtremeDrought #MaineClimateDiary #ClimateDiaryMaine #MDACF

Why are there so many leaves falling? Is this an early autumn?

By Jesse Ferrell, AccuWeather meteorologist and digital producer

Aug. 22, 2025 10:02 AM EDT

"Have you seen a lot of leaves turning colors or even falling off the trees this August? A lot of people on social media have posted about this subject during the last few weeks, asking, 'Is it an early fall?'

"Well... don't get out the pumpkin spice lattes just yet. Although astronomical autumn doesn't start until Sept. 22, more leaves are falling than usual this time of year due to drought, causing what scientists call "tree stress." Since the beginning of August, drought has developed in areas of #NewEngland, #NewYork, #Pennsylvania, and #NewJersey."

Read more:
https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/live-news/clearing-the-air-leaves-are-falling-but-its-not-autumn-yet/1798333

#ExtremeDrought #Drought #NortheastUS #ClimateChange

Why are there so many leaves falling? Is this an early autumn?

By Jesse Ferrell, AccuWeather meteorologist and digital producer

Aug. 22, 2025 10:02 AM EDT

"Have you seen a lot of leaves turning colors or even falling off the trees this August? A lot of people on social media have posted about this subject during the last few weeks, asking, 'Is it an early fall?'

"Well... don't get out the pumpkin spice lattes just yet. Although astronomical autumn doesn't start until Sept. 22, more leaves are falling than usual this time of year due to drought, causing what scientists call "tree stress." Since the beginning of August, drought has developed in areas of #NewEngland, #NewYork, #Pennsylvania, and #NewJersey."

Read more:
https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/live-news/clearing-the-air-leaves-are-falling-but-its-not-autumn-yet/1798333

#ExtremeDrought #Drought #NortheastUS #ClimateChange

Why are there so many leaves falling? Is this an early autumn?

By Jesse Ferrell, AccuWeather meteorologist and digital producer

Aug. 22, 2025 10:02 AM EDT

"Have you seen a lot of leaves turning colors or even falling off the trees this August? A lot of people on social media have posted about this subject during the last few weeks, asking, 'Is it an early fall?'

"Well... don't get out the pumpkin spice lattes just yet. Although astronomical autumn doesn't start until Sept. 22, more leaves are falling than usual this time of year due to drought, causing what scientists call "tree stress." Since the beginning of August, drought has developed in areas of #NewEngland, #NewYork, #Pennsylvania, and #NewJersey."

Read more:
https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/live-news/clearing-the-air-leaves-are-falling-but-its-not-autumn-yet/1798333

#ExtremeDrought #Drought #NortheastUS #ClimateChange

Why are there so many leaves falling? Is this an early autumn?

By Jesse Ferrell, AccuWeather meteorologist and digital producer

Aug. 22, 2025 10:02 AM EDT

"Have you seen a lot of leaves turning colors or even falling off the trees this August? A lot of people on social media have posted about this subject during the last few weeks, asking, 'Is it an early fall?'

"Well... don't get out the pumpkin spice lattes just yet. Although astronomical autumn doesn't start until Sept. 22, more leaves are falling than usual this time of year due to drought, causing what scientists call "tree stress." Since the beginning of August, drought has developed in areas of #NewEngland, #NewYork, #Pennsylvania, and #NewJersey."

Read more:
https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/live-news/clearing-the-air-leaves-are-falling-but-its-not-autumn-yet/1798333

#ExtremeDrought #Drought #NortheastUS #ClimateChange

Why are there so many leaves falling? Is this an early autumn?

By Jesse Ferrell, AccuWeather meteorologist and digital producer

Aug. 22, 2025 10:02 AM EDT

"Have you seen a lot of leaves turning colors or even falling off the trees this August? A lot of people on social media have posted about this subject during the last few weeks, asking, 'Is it an early fall?'

"Well... don't get out the pumpkin spice lattes just yet. Although astronomical autumn doesn't start until Sept. 22, more leaves are falling than usual this time of year due to drought, causing what scientists call "tree stress." Since the beginning of August, drought has developed in areas of #NewEngland, #NewYork, #Pennsylvania, and #NewJersey."

Read more:
https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/live-news/clearing-the-air-leaves-are-falling-but-its-not-autumn-yet/1798333

#ExtremeDrought #Drought #NortheastUS #ClimateChange

Canada’s ‘exceptional’ drought hints at future climate, need for action: experts https://www.byteseu.com/1304724/ #AgricultureCanada #Canada #drought #DroughtImpacts #DroughtMonitor #ExtremeDrought #JohnPomeroy

Yikes! Rapidly spreading #BrushFire prompts evacuations for thousands in #California

#CanyonFire in #Ventura county, north of #LosAngeles, is a ‘very dynamic situation’ and 0% contained, officials say

Gabrielle Canon, Fri 8 Aug 2025

"Hundreds of firefighters and first responders are working to contain a rapidly growing brush fire in a mountainous area of #SouthernCalifornia that has forced thousands of evacuations.

"The Canyon fire erupted in a rural, sparsely populated area of Ventura county on Thursday afternoon and quickly exploded in size, spreading east into Los Angeles county. The blaze covered roughly 4,800 acres (20.2 sq km) by 11pm, according to authorities.
By Friday morning, firefighters were boasting significant progress, reporting the fire’s perimeter was 25% contained. But fire conditions remain precarious, with temperatures up to 100F and low humidity. Moisture-levels on the brush-covered hillsides are at a record low in the region, and the parched vegetation has fueled the fire’s spread.

"Firefighters battled through the night to protect homes and other buildings, and to take advantage of lower temperatures. By Friday morning, they were seeing subdued fire behavior according to Andrew Dowd, spokesperson for the Ventura county fire department.

" 'They were putting it all on the line to bring this fire under control,' he said. One firefighter reported a minor injury, but no civilian injuries were reported. No single-family or multi-family residences were destroyed, but two minor structures were destroyed.

" 'Air attack and ground crews aggressively attacked the fire to limit its spread and protect residents and structures in the fire’s path,' Los Angeles county officials wrote in an incident update issued on Friday, adding that hard work and operational efficiency stopped widespread damage 'even as the high heat and dry conditions pushed the fire’s growth'.

"Firefighters are hoping to corral some of the perimeter on Friday, even with scorching daytime [temperatures] that could contribute to extreme fire behavior. The blaze remains a 'very dynamic situation', Dowd said.

" 'Extreme heat and low humidity in our north county have created dangerous conditions where flames can spread with alarming speed,' the LA county supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the district, said in a statement. 'If first responders tell you to leave, go – without hesitation.'

"The new blaze comes as a huge wildfire in central California became the state’s largest blaze of the year, threatening hundreds of homes and burning out of control in the Los Padres national forest.

"The #GiffordFire had spread to more than 99,200 acres (400 sq km) by Friday morning and was at 15% containment. It grew out of at least four smaller fires that erupted last Friday along State Route 166, forcing closures in both directions east of Santa Maria, a city of about 110,000 people. It has injured at least four people. The causes of the fires are under investigation.

"Wildfire risk will be elevated through the weekend across much of inland California as a heatwave gripping the area intensifies.

"But fire activity across California and parts of the American west is also expected to spike in the weeks to come as high temperatures collide with the strong winds that are more prevalent in the autumn months.

" 'In southern California, the threat is driven by persistent drought, high grass loads, and weakening coastal moisture,' according to a wildfire forecast by the state’s fire department.

"Vegetation is already dangerously dry in the state, especially in southern California where thick brush and desiccated shrubs can quickly turn ignitions into infernos, and the coming heat will bake more moisture out of the landscapes.

"Fires will be more challenging to control and are expected to exhibit extreme behavior, according to an advisory issued from federal fire analysts this week, which said the mountains and deserts of southern California were seeing 'record dry levels'."

Source:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/08/california-canyon-fire

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/Xmhsy

#ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #WildfireSeason #Wildfires #ExtremeDrought #Drought #CaliforniaWx #WildfireWx

Yikes! Rapidly spreading #BrushFire prompts evacuations for thousands in #California

#CanyonFire in #Ventura county, north of #LosAngeles, is a ‘very dynamic situation’ and 0% contained, officials say

Gabrielle Canon, Fri 8 Aug 2025

"Hundreds of firefighters and first responders are working to contain a rapidly growing brush fire in a mountainous area of #SouthernCalifornia that has forced thousands of evacuations.

"The Canyon fire erupted in a rural, sparsely populated area of Ventura county on Thursday afternoon and quickly exploded in size, spreading east into Los Angeles county. The blaze covered roughly 4,800 acres (20.2 sq km) by 11pm, according to authorities.
By Friday morning, firefighters were boasting significant progress, reporting the fire’s perimeter was 25% contained. But fire conditions remain precarious, with temperatures up to 100F and low humidity. Moisture-levels on the brush-covered hillsides are at a record low in the region, and the parched vegetation has fueled the fire’s spread.

"Firefighters battled through the night to protect homes and other buildings, and to take advantage of lower temperatures. By Friday morning, they were seeing subdued fire behavior according to Andrew Dowd, spokesperson for the Ventura county fire department.

" 'They were putting it all on the line to bring this fire under control,' he said. One firefighter reported a minor injury, but no civilian injuries were reported. No single-family or multi-family residences were destroyed, but two minor structures were destroyed.

" 'Air attack and ground crews aggressively attacked the fire to limit its spread and protect residents and structures in the fire’s path,' Los Angeles county officials wrote in an incident update issued on Friday, adding that hard work and operational efficiency stopped widespread damage 'even as the high heat and dry conditions pushed the fire’s growth'.

"Firefighters are hoping to corral some of the perimeter on Friday, even with scorching daytime [temperatures] that could contribute to extreme fire behavior. The blaze remains a 'very dynamic situation', Dowd said.

" 'Extreme heat and low humidity in our north county have created dangerous conditions where flames can spread with alarming speed,' the LA county supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the district, said in a statement. 'If first responders tell you to leave, go – without hesitation.'

"The new blaze comes as a huge wildfire in central California became the state’s largest blaze of the year, threatening hundreds of homes and burning out of control in the Los Padres national forest.

"The #GiffordFire had spread to more than 99,200 acres (400 sq km) by Friday morning and was at 15% containment. It grew out of at least four smaller fires that erupted last Friday along State Route 166, forcing closures in both directions east of Santa Maria, a city of about 110,000 people. It has injured at least four people. The causes of the fires are under investigation.

"Wildfire risk will be elevated through the weekend across much of inland California as a heatwave gripping the area intensifies.

"But fire activity across California and parts of the American west is also expected to spike in the weeks to come as high temperatures collide with the strong winds that are more prevalent in the autumn months.

" 'In southern California, the threat is driven by persistent drought, high grass loads, and weakening coastal moisture,' according to a wildfire forecast by the state’s fire department.

"Vegetation is already dangerously dry in the state, especially in southern California where thick brush and desiccated shrubs can quickly turn ignitions into infernos, and the coming heat will bake more moisture out of the landscapes.

"Fires will be more challenging to control and are expected to exhibit extreme behavior, according to an advisory issued from federal fire analysts this week, which said the mountains and deserts of southern California were seeing 'record dry levels'."

Source:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/08/california-canyon-fire

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/Xmhsy

#ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #WildfireSeason #Wildfires #ExtremeDrought #Drought #CaliforniaWx #WildfireWx

Yikes! Rapidly spreading #BrushFire prompts evacuations for thousands in #California

#CanyonFire in #Ventura county, north of #LosAngeles, is a ‘very dynamic situation’ and 0% contained, officials say

Gabrielle Canon, Fri 8 Aug 2025

"Hundreds of firefighters and first responders are working to contain a rapidly growing brush fire in a mountainous area of #SouthernCalifornia that has forced thousands of evacuations.

"The Canyon fire erupted in a rural, sparsely populated area of Ventura county on Thursday afternoon and quickly exploded in size, spreading east into Los Angeles county. The blaze covered roughly 4,800 acres (20.2 sq km) by 11pm, according to authorities.
By Friday morning, firefighters were boasting significant progress, reporting the fire’s perimeter was 25% contained. But fire conditions remain precarious, with temperatures up to 100F and low humidity. Moisture-levels on the brush-covered hillsides are at a record low in the region, and the parched vegetation has fueled the fire’s spread.

"Firefighters battled through the night to protect homes and other buildings, and to take advantage of lower temperatures. By Friday morning, they were seeing subdued fire behavior according to Andrew Dowd, spokesperson for the Ventura county fire department.

" 'They were putting it all on the line to bring this fire under control,' he said. One firefighter reported a minor injury, but no civilian injuries were reported. No single-family or multi-family residences were destroyed, but two minor structures were destroyed.

" 'Air attack and ground crews aggressively attacked the fire to limit its spread and protect residents and structures in the fire’s path,' Los Angeles county officials wrote in an incident update issued on Friday, adding that hard work and operational efficiency stopped widespread damage 'even as the high heat and dry conditions pushed the fire’s growth'.

"Firefighters are hoping to corral some of the perimeter on Friday, even with scorching daytime [temperatures] that could contribute to extreme fire behavior. The blaze remains a 'very dynamic situation', Dowd said.

" 'Extreme heat and low humidity in our north county have created dangerous conditions where flames can spread with alarming speed,' the LA county supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the district, said in a statement. 'If first responders tell you to leave, go – without hesitation.'

"The new blaze comes as a huge wildfire in central California became the state’s largest blaze of the year, threatening hundreds of homes and burning out of control in the Los Padres national forest.

"The #GiffordFire had spread to more than 99,200 acres (400 sq km) by Friday morning and was at 15% containment. It grew out of at least four smaller fires that erupted last Friday along State Route 166, forcing closures in both directions east of Santa Maria, a city of about 110,000 people. It has injured at least four people. The causes of the fires are under investigation.

"Wildfire risk will be elevated through the weekend across much of inland California as a heatwave gripping the area intensifies.

"But fire activity across California and parts of the American west is also expected to spike in the weeks to come as high temperatures collide with the strong winds that are more prevalent in the autumn months.

" 'In southern California, the threat is driven by persistent drought, high grass loads, and weakening coastal moisture,' according to a wildfire forecast by the state’s fire department.

"Vegetation is already dangerously dry in the state, especially in southern California where thick brush and desiccated shrubs can quickly turn ignitions into infernos, and the coming heat will bake more moisture out of the landscapes.

"Fires will be more challenging to control and are expected to exhibit extreme behavior, according to an advisory issued from federal fire analysts this week, which said the mountains and deserts of southern California were seeing 'record dry levels'."

Source:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/08/california-canyon-fire

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/Xmhsy

#ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #WildfireSeason #Wildfires #ExtremeDrought #Drought #CaliforniaWx #WildfireWx

Yikes! Rapidly spreading #BrushFire prompts evacuations for thousands in #California

#CanyonFire in #Ventura county, north of #LosAngeles, is a ‘very dynamic situation’ and 0% contained, officials say

Gabrielle Canon, Fri 8 Aug 2025

"Hundreds of firefighters and first responders are working to contain a rapidly growing brush fire in a mountainous area of #SouthernCalifornia that has forced thousands of evacuations.

"The Canyon fire erupted in a rural, sparsely populated area of Ventura county on Thursday afternoon and quickly exploded in size, spreading east into Los Angeles county. The blaze covered roughly 4,800 acres (20.2 sq km) by 11pm, according to authorities.
By Friday morning, firefighters were boasting significant progress, reporting the fire’s perimeter was 25% contained. But fire conditions remain precarious, with temperatures up to 100F and low humidity. Moisture-levels on the brush-covered hillsides are at a record low in the region, and the parched vegetation has fueled the fire’s spread.

"Firefighters battled through the night to protect homes and other buildings, and to take advantage of lower temperatures. By Friday morning, they were seeing subdued fire behavior according to Andrew Dowd, spokesperson for the Ventura county fire department.

" 'They were putting it all on the line to bring this fire under control,' he said. One firefighter reported a minor injury, but no civilian injuries were reported. No single-family or multi-family residences were destroyed, but two minor structures were destroyed.

" 'Air attack and ground crews aggressively attacked the fire to limit its spread and protect residents and structures in the fire’s path,' Los Angeles county officials wrote in an incident update issued on Friday, adding that hard work and operational efficiency stopped widespread damage 'even as the high heat and dry conditions pushed the fire’s growth'.

"Firefighters are hoping to corral some of the perimeter on Friday, even with scorching daytime [temperatures] that could contribute to extreme fire behavior. The blaze remains a 'very dynamic situation', Dowd said.

" 'Extreme heat and low humidity in our north county have created dangerous conditions where flames can spread with alarming speed,' the LA county supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the district, said in a statement. 'If first responders tell you to leave, go – without hesitation.'

"The new blaze comes as a huge wildfire in central California became the state’s largest blaze of the year, threatening hundreds of homes and burning out of control in the Los Padres national forest.

"The #GiffordFire had spread to more than 99,200 acres (400 sq km) by Friday morning and was at 15% containment. It grew out of at least four smaller fires that erupted last Friday along State Route 166, forcing closures in both directions east of Santa Maria, a city of about 110,000 people. It has injured at least four people. The causes of the fires are under investigation.

"Wildfire risk will be elevated through the weekend across much of inland California as a heatwave gripping the area intensifies.

"But fire activity across California and parts of the American west is also expected to spike in the weeks to come as high temperatures collide with the strong winds that are more prevalent in the autumn months.

" 'In southern California, the threat is driven by persistent drought, high grass loads, and weakening coastal moisture,' according to a wildfire forecast by the state’s fire department.

"Vegetation is already dangerously dry in the state, especially in southern California where thick brush and desiccated shrubs can quickly turn ignitions into infernos, and the coming heat will bake more moisture out of the landscapes.

"Fires will be more challenging to control and are expected to exhibit extreme behavior, according to an advisory issued from federal fire analysts this week, which said the mountains and deserts of southern California were seeing 'record dry levels'."

Source:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/08/california-canyon-fire

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/Xmhsy

#ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #WildfireSeason #Wildfires #ExtremeDrought #Drought #CaliforniaWx #WildfireWx

Yikes! Rapidly spreading #BrushFire prompts evacuations for thousands in #California

#CanyonFire in #Ventura county, north of #LosAngeles, is a ‘very dynamic situation’ and 0% contained, officials say

Gabrielle Canon, Fri 8 Aug 2025

"Hundreds of firefighters and first responders are working to contain a rapidly growing brush fire in a mountainous area of #SouthernCalifornia that has forced thousands of evacuations.

"The Canyon fire erupted in a rural, sparsely populated area of Ventura county on Thursday afternoon and quickly exploded in size, spreading east into Los Angeles county. The blaze covered roughly 4,800 acres (20.2 sq km) by 11pm, according to authorities.
By Friday morning, firefighters were boasting significant progress, reporting the fire’s perimeter was 25% contained. But fire conditions remain precarious, with temperatures up to 100F and low humidity. Moisture-levels on the brush-covered hillsides are at a record low in the region, and the parched vegetation has fueled the fire’s spread.

"Firefighters battled through the night to protect homes and other buildings, and to take advantage of lower temperatures. By Friday morning, they were seeing subdued fire behavior according to Andrew Dowd, spokesperson for the Ventura county fire department.

" 'They were putting it all on the line to bring this fire under control,' he said. One firefighter reported a minor injury, but no civilian injuries were reported. No single-family or multi-family residences were destroyed, but two minor structures were destroyed.

" 'Air attack and ground crews aggressively attacked the fire to limit its spread and protect residents and structures in the fire’s path,' Los Angeles county officials wrote in an incident update issued on Friday, adding that hard work and operational efficiency stopped widespread damage 'even as the high heat and dry conditions pushed the fire’s growth'.

"Firefighters are hoping to corral some of the perimeter on Friday, even with scorching daytime [temperatures] that could contribute to extreme fire behavior. The blaze remains a 'very dynamic situation', Dowd said.

" 'Extreme heat and low humidity in our north county have created dangerous conditions where flames can spread with alarming speed,' the LA county supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the district, said in a statement. 'If first responders tell you to leave, go – without hesitation.'

"The new blaze comes as a huge wildfire in central California became the state’s largest blaze of the year, threatening hundreds of homes and burning out of control in the Los Padres national forest.

"The #GiffordFire had spread to more than 99,200 acres (400 sq km) by Friday morning and was at 15% containment. It grew out of at least four smaller fires that erupted last Friday along State Route 166, forcing closures in both directions east of Santa Maria, a city of about 110,000 people. It has injured at least four people. The causes of the fires are under investigation.

"Wildfire risk will be elevated through the weekend across much of inland California as a heatwave gripping the area intensifies.

"But fire activity across California and parts of the American west is also expected to spike in the weeks to come as high temperatures collide with the strong winds that are more prevalent in the autumn months.

" 'In southern California, the threat is driven by persistent drought, high grass loads, and weakening coastal moisture,' according to a wildfire forecast by the state’s fire department.

"Vegetation is already dangerously dry in the state, especially in southern California where thick brush and desiccated shrubs can quickly turn ignitions into infernos, and the coming heat will bake more moisture out of the landscapes.

"Fires will be more challenging to control and are expected to exhibit extreme behavior, according to an advisory issued from federal fire analysts this week, which said the mountains and deserts of southern California were seeing 'record dry levels'."

Source:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/08/california-canyon-fire

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/Xmhsy

#ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #WildfireSeason #Wildfires #ExtremeDrought #Drought #CaliforniaWx #WildfireWx

Shijie Ning et al. investigated the response of #Grassland #AbovegroundNetPrimaryProductivity (ANPP) to naturally occurring #PrecipitationExtremes, found that #ExtremeDrought decreased ANPP by an average of 40%, while #ExtremeWetness had a neutral effect on ANPP. The aridity-dependent response of ANPP to precipitation extremes demonstrates the ambient #Climate-dependent resistance of grasslands to these events.
Details: https://doi.org/10.1093/jpe/rtae084

Shijie Ning et al. investigated the response of #Grassland #AbovegroundNetPrimaryProductivity (ANPP) to naturally occurring #PrecipitationExtremes, found that #ExtremeDrought decreased ANPP by an average of 40%, while #ExtremeWetness had a neutral effect on ANPP. The aridity-dependent response of ANPP to precipitation extremes demonstrates the ambient #Climate-dependent resistance of grasslands to these events.
Details: https://doi.org/10.1093/jpe/rtae084

Shijie Ning et al. investigated the response of #Grassland #AbovegroundNetPrimaryProductivity (ANPP) to naturally occurring #PrecipitationExtremes, found that #ExtremeDrought decreased ANPP by an average of 40%, while #ExtremeWetness had a neutral effect on ANPP. The aridity-dependent response of ANPP to precipitation extremes demonstrates the ambient #Climate-dependent resistance of grasslands to these events.
Details: https://doi.org/10.1093/jpe/rtae084

Shijie Ning et al. investigated the response of #Grassland #AbovegroundNetPrimaryProductivity (ANPP) to naturally occurring #PrecipitationExtremes, found that #ExtremeDrought decreased ANPP by an average of 40%, while #ExtremeWetness had a neutral effect on ANPP. The aridity-dependent response of ANPP to precipitation extremes demonstrates the ambient #Climate-dependent resistance of grasslands to these events.
Details: https://doi.org/10.1093/jpe/rtae084

Humanity's Chance to Reverse #AmazonRainforest's Slide Toward #TippingPoint Is 'Shrinking'

The world's largest #rainforest showed "ominous indicators," including #wildfires and #ExtremeDrought, in 2024.

The Amazon, sometimes called the '#LungsOfThePlanet,' this year showed signs of further inching toward a much-feared tipping point, threatening the very existence of the world's largest rainforest.

"Rampant wildfires and extreme drought ravaged large parts of the Amazon in 2024. The fires and dry conditions were fueled by deforestation and the El Niño weather pattern, and also made worse by climate change, according to the World Economic Forum. 'The number of fires reached its highest level in 14 years this September,' the group reported in October.

"#Drought has also impacted the #AmazonRiver, causing one of the river's main tributaries to drop to its lowest level ever recorded, according to October reporting from The Associated Press. The drop in the river has negatively impacted local economies and #FoodSupplies.

"Andrew Miller, advocacy director at #AmazonWatch, told the AP last week that the fires and droughts experienced across the Amazon in 2024 'could be ominous indicators that we are reaching the long-feared ecological tipping point.'

"'Humanity's window of opportunity to reverse this trend is shrinking, but still open,' he said.

"The Amazon plays a vital role in keeping the planet healthy. 150-200 billion tons of carbon are stored in the Amazon, and it also carries 20% of the earth's fresh water to sea.

"According to the World Economic Forum, if the Amazon tipping point is reached, 'it will release billions of tonnes of #CO2 into the atmosphere through fires and plants dying off. This would further exacerbate climate change and make the 1.5°C goal impossible to achieve. It would also alter weather patterns, which would impact agricultural productivity and global food supplies.'

"A paper published in the journal Nature in February indicates that up to half of the rainforest could hit a tipping point by the middle of the century. 'We estimate that by 2050, 10% to 47% of Amazonian forests will be exposed to compounding disturbances that may trigger unexpected ecosystem transitions and potentially exacerbate regional #ClimateChange,' explained the researchers behind the paper.

"However, it wasn't all bad news out of the Amazon in 2024. According to the AP, the amount of #deforestation in #Brazil and #Colombia declined in this year. In Brazil, which houses the largest chunk of the Amazon, forest loss dropped 30.6% compared to the year prior, bringing it to the lowest level of destruction in nearly a decade.

"The improvement is an about-face from a couple of years ago, when the country registered 15-year high of deforestation during the leadership of former #FarRight President #JairBolsonaro. Brazil is now led by the left-wing President Luiz Inácio #Lula da Silva, who—despite presiding over this drop in deforestation—has also come under scrutiny, as AP noted, by #environmentalists for backing projects that they argue could harm the environment."

Source:
https://www.commondreams.org/news/amazon-rainforest-tipping-point-2024

#ClimateCatastrophe #EnvironmentalEmergency #SouthAmerica #SaveTheForests

Humanity's Chance to Reverse #AmazonRainforest's Slide Toward #TippingPoint Is 'Shrinking'

The world's largest #rainforest showed "ominous indicators," including #wildfires and #ExtremeDrought, in 2024.

The Amazon, sometimes called the '#LungsOfThePlanet,' this year showed signs of further inching toward a much-feared tipping point, threatening the very existence of the world's largest rainforest.

"Rampant wildfires and extreme drought ravaged large parts of the Amazon in 2024. The fires and dry conditions were fueled by deforestation and the El Niño weather pattern, and also made worse by climate change, according to the World Economic Forum. 'The number of fires reached its highest level in 14 years this September,' the group reported in October.

"#Drought has also impacted the #AmazonRiver, causing one of the river's main tributaries to drop to its lowest level ever recorded, according to October reporting from The Associated Press. The drop in the river has negatively impacted local economies and #FoodSupplies.

"Andrew Miller, advocacy director at #AmazonWatch, told the AP last week that the fires and droughts experienced across the Amazon in 2024 'could be ominous indicators that we are reaching the long-feared ecological tipping point.'

"'Humanity's window of opportunity to reverse this trend is shrinking, but still open,' he said.

"The Amazon plays a vital role in keeping the planet healthy. 150-200 billion tons of carbon are stored in the Amazon, and it also carries 20% of the earth's fresh water to sea.

"According to the World Economic Forum, if the Amazon tipping point is reached, 'it will release billions of tonnes of #CO2 into the atmosphere through fires and plants dying off. This would further exacerbate climate change and make the 1.5°C goal impossible to achieve. It would also alter weather patterns, which would impact agricultural productivity and global food supplies.'

"A paper published in the journal Nature in February indicates that up to half of the rainforest could hit a tipping point by the middle of the century. 'We estimate that by 2050, 10% to 47% of Amazonian forests will be exposed to compounding disturbances that may trigger unexpected ecosystem transitions and potentially exacerbate regional #ClimateChange,' explained the researchers behind the paper.

"However, it wasn't all bad news out of the Amazon in 2024. According to the AP, the amount of #deforestation in #Brazil and #Colombia declined in this year. In Brazil, which houses the largest chunk of the Amazon, forest loss dropped 30.6% compared to the year prior, bringing it to the lowest level of destruction in nearly a decade.

"The improvement is an about-face from a couple of years ago, when the country registered 15-year high of deforestation during the leadership of former #FarRight President #JairBolsonaro. Brazil is now led by the left-wing President Luiz Inácio #Lula da Silva, who—despite presiding over this drop in deforestation—has also come under scrutiny, as AP noted, by #environmentalists for backing projects that they argue could harm the environment."

Source:
https://www.commondreams.org/news/amazon-rainforest-tipping-point-2024

#ClimateCatastrophe #EnvironmentalEmergency #SouthAmerica #SaveTheForests

Humanity's Chance to Reverse #AmazonRainforest's Slide Toward #TippingPoint Is 'Shrinking'

The world's largest #rainforest showed "ominous indicators," including #wildfires and #ExtremeDrought, in 2024.

The Amazon, sometimes called the '#LungsOfThePlanet,' this year showed signs of further inching toward a much-feared tipping point, threatening the very existence of the world's largest rainforest.

"Rampant wildfires and extreme drought ravaged large parts of the Amazon in 2024. The fires and dry conditions were fueled by deforestation and the El Niño weather pattern, and also made worse by climate change, according to the World Economic Forum. 'The number of fires reached its highest level in 14 years this September,' the group reported in October.

"#Drought has also impacted the #AmazonRiver, causing one of the river's main tributaries to drop to its lowest level ever recorded, according to October reporting from The Associated Press. The drop in the river has negatively impacted local economies and #FoodSupplies.

"Andrew Miller, advocacy director at #AmazonWatch, told the AP last week that the fires and droughts experienced across the Amazon in 2024 'could be ominous indicators that we are reaching the long-feared ecological tipping point.'

"'Humanity's window of opportunity to reverse this trend is shrinking, but still open,' he said.

"The Amazon plays a vital role in keeping the planet healthy. 150-200 billion tons of carbon are stored in the Amazon, and it also carries 20% of the earth's fresh water to sea.

"According to the World Economic Forum, if the Amazon tipping point is reached, 'it will release billions of tonnes of #CO2 into the atmosphere through fires and plants dying off. This would further exacerbate climate change and make the 1.5°C goal impossible to achieve. It would also alter weather patterns, which would impact agricultural productivity and global food supplies.'

"A paper published in the journal Nature in February indicates that up to half of the rainforest could hit a tipping point by the middle of the century. 'We estimate that by 2050, 10% to 47% of Amazonian forests will be exposed to compounding disturbances that may trigger unexpected ecosystem transitions and potentially exacerbate regional #ClimateChange,' explained the researchers behind the paper.

"However, it wasn't all bad news out of the Amazon in 2024. According to the AP, the amount of #deforestation in #Brazil and #Colombia declined in this year. In Brazil, which houses the largest chunk of the Amazon, forest loss dropped 30.6% compared to the year prior, bringing it to the lowest level of destruction in nearly a decade.

"The improvement is an about-face from a couple of years ago, when the country registered 15-year high of deforestation during the leadership of former #FarRight President #JairBolsonaro. Brazil is now led by the left-wing President Luiz Inácio #Lula da Silva, who—despite presiding over this drop in deforestation—has also come under scrutiny, as AP noted, by #environmentalists for backing projects that they argue could harm the environment."

Source:
https://www.commondreams.org/news/amazon-rainforest-tipping-point-2024

#ClimateCatastrophe #EnvironmentalEmergency #SouthAmerica #SaveTheForests