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Sunrise shot of the Tucson area from the roof of the Thomas W. Keating Bioresearch Building (BIO5 Institute)

Celebrated for its vast natural beauty, wild rivers, iconic landscapes, and old-growth forests, the western United States is also central to some of our nation’s most critical environmental issues, including drought, wildfire, urban sprawl, and natural and cultural resource management. Learn how our research provides solutions to environmental challenges for the Desert Southwest, and beyond.

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UA economics prof: Climate change will bring big upheaval to society, markets

A University of Arizona economics professor said taxing carbon emissions would help solve the significant challenges that climate change poses to U.S. and world economies.

Most fireworks prohibited in Silver City

Due to the exceptional drought conditions that exist in Silver City — and most of Grant County — town councilors voted Tuesday night to ban the sale or use of display fireworks within town limits.

group standing by wash in Arizona

The Realities of Adaptation in the Water Sector

The third episode of the Water Solutions for Our Warmer World series featured a diverse array of panelists who offered their perspectives on how adaptations are unfolding in the water sector.

An "interstate water system" could fix the West's water woes

We have pipelines for oil and natural gas. Why not water?

UArizona Geologists to 'X-ray' the Andes

A network of seismic stations poised to record images from deep underground will help scientists understand the mechanisms driving the formation of mountain ranges in unprecedented detail.  

Sustainable Design Expert: The Building You're Sitting in Is the Elephant in the Room

Jonathan Bean in the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture says buildings are the No. 1 pathway to achieving the Biden administration's new carbon emissions goals. He's training the next generation of architects to make climate-positive buildings the new normal.

Forests and Climate Change – “We Can’t Plant Our Way Out of the Climate Crisis”

Some climate activists advocate large-scale tree-planting campaigns in forests around the world to suck up heat-trapping carbon dioxide and help rein in climate change.

Holograms increase solar energy yield

The energy available from sunlight is 10,000 times more than what is needed to supply the world's energy demands. Sunlight has two main properties that are useful in the design of renewable energy systems.

Heat and smog hit low-income communities and people of color hardest, scientists say

As the world warms due to climate change, two studies released this week show that heat exposure and related health issues are already having an inordinate impact on people of color and low-income communities.

Nico Matthews standing on a shaded trail

Nico Matthews on Combining Humanitarian Issues with an Environmental Education

Choosing Not To Have Children Because Of Climate Change

New research finds people may choose not to have children because they do not want to contribute to climate change.

Private sector seeks bigger role in NASA Earth science programs

Companies and organizations used a House hearing May 18 to advocate for a larger role in NASA’s Earth science programs, arguing their capabilities can complement NASA spacecraft.