Climate
KQED Science
California Plans Nation’s Most Detailed Sea Level Database
To help adapt to the increased flood risks affecting people and property along the coast, the San Francisco Bay and inland waterways, California lawmakers sent a bill to Governor Jerry Brown that would direct the state to compile the nation’s most elaborate sea level rise planning database.
KQED News
More Than Half of U.S. Bird Species Threatened by Climate Change
People in Maryland love their Baltimore orioles — so much so that their major league baseball team bears the name of the migrating bird. Yet, by 2080, there may not be any orioles left in Maryland. They migrate each year and, according to a new report, could soon be forced ...Read More
KQED Science
Drought Myth-Busting: Why El Niño Is Never A Good Bet
The peculiar set of ocean conditions is known as a California rainmaker -- but El Niño's reputation has been greatly exaggerated.
KQED Science
Drought-Stricken California Town Struggles to Keep the Water Flowing
From heavy machinery to hand-held flour sifters, this town is pulling out all the stops to save its water.
KQED Science
California Isn’t Just Dry — It’s Hot
California's average temperature for January through July was the highest on record.
KQED Science
Cap and Trade Faces First Major Political Test
A group of Democrats wants to delay the planned expansion of California's cap-and-trade system. They're worried about the impact of higher gas prices.
KQED Science
El Niño Fizzle: No Relief Likely for California Drought
Odds of a strong pattern of warm Pacific waters forming in time to bring winter rains are diminishing.
KQED Science
Artist Will Take a 13-Hour Watery Stand to Draw Attention to Rising Seas
A performance artist will stand in San Francisco Bay for a tidal cycle of thirteen hours to dramatize the challenge of rising seas. At high tide, she'll be covered up to her neck.
KQED Science
Drought Becomes Top Environmental Priority for Californians
Those surveyed say they favor mandatory restrictions on water use.
KQED Science
Richmond Nearly Ready to Approve Chevron Refinery Project
The Richmond City Council is considering Chevron's plans for a $1 billion project at its refinery there. If it's approved, this is one of the last steps before construction on the project would actually begin.
KQED Science
California’s Drought is Hurting Farmers More Than Food Consumers
Economists estimate that the drought will cost the state's farm economy about $2.2 billion this year, including the loss of more than 17,000 jobs.
KQED Science
Anti-Fracking Activists in California Take Fight to County Ballots
Activists are hoping local residents will do what state legislators haven’t done -- shut down the controversial oil production technique known as hydraulic fracturing.
KQED Science
How Efficient Is Your Sprinkler?
Landscaping makes up half the water bill for most homeowners, and it’s often the most wasteful piece of the water picture.
KQED Science
Recent Talk on Sea Level Rise Stresses Need for Acceptance and Adaptation
Polar ice sheets are shrinking, sea level is rising and 44% of the world's population lives within 90 miles of the sea in the coastal zone. Oceanographer John Englander's addressed these topics in a recent talk, "Melting Ice, Rising Seas, and Shifting Shorelines: the New Normal" at the Aquarium of the Bay.
KQED Science
Supreme Court Won’t Hear Dispute Over California Fuel Standard
The justices on Monday turned away appeals from fuel makers that say the law discriminates against out-of-state producers.
KQED Science
Drought Lessons From Down Under
Australia's nine-year "millennial drought" transformed attitudes toward water. Could California duplicate the gains without the pain?
Forum
Coping with California's Record Drought
"Make it a Quickie." That's the slogan for the San Francisco water agency's new ad campaign promoting shorter showers, a response to the ongoing drought crisis. But a recent state survey suggests Californians aren't yet heeding Gov. Jerry Brown's call to conserve. State residents have reduced water use by just ...Read More
QUEST
Picturing a Future Wrought by Climate Change
In this video, follow a University of Wisconsin research team creating scenarios visualizing what the climate in Madison, Wisconsin could look like in the year 2070. ...Read More
KQED Science
As Water Prices Soar, Some Profit From California’s Drought
Fights are breaking out over controversial water sales. Some farmers say they need the water to keep trees alive, while others say groundwater pumping depletes supplies for neighboring farms, and could threaten California's already-stressed aquifers.
KQED Science
A ‘Squid Bloom’ in Monterey Bay Is Good News for Local Fishermen
Squid fishermen in and around Monterey Bay are experiencing early success this season with California market squid, which may be a result of a couple happy accidents.
