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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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Coronavirus Creates Conditions for Unique Environmental Science 'Global Experiment'

UArizona scientists say they need more measurements and more time to accurately assess the environmental and health impacts of the novel coronavirus.

Super-Polluting Methane Emissions Twice Federal Estimates in Permian Basin, Study Finds

The methane is a byproduct of fracking for oil, often burned off at well heads or emitted into the atmosphere instead of being captured for use as fuel.

Recycling takes a hit in coronavirus California as plastic waste piles up

The coronavirus pandemic has set back efforts to combat plastic pollution, as environmentally conscious Bay Area residents are forced to abandon their good habits while efforts on the state level to reduce waste face an uncertain future.

$3 million NSF grant supports search for heat-tolerant tomatoes

When your tomato plants won’t bear fruit during the dog days of summer, a team of Wake Forest researchers led by Gloria Muday will be in the lab, trying to find a plant that thrives despite the heat.

EPA awards $255k in grants for environment, health on Arizona-Mexico border

The Arizona-Sonora border region will receive over $255,000 to advance environmental projects, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced last week. Recipient organizations will match with an additional $100,000.

UArizona Experts Predict a Very Active Hurricane Season

University of Arizona hurricane forecasters are predicting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

OPINION: Tucson's admirable water conservation efforts

About a year ago, part of the Santa Cruz River had flowing water for the first time in around 80 years. The effects of returning water to a system like the Santa Cruz can greatly benefit riparian wildlife, plants and communities near the water. 

Direct potable beer: potable reuse project

Grundfos’ commitment to promoting sustainability is genuine, as evident by how it spearheads programs worldwide to help promote the efficient and sustainable use of water and energy. 

As temperatures rise, Arizona sinks

Climate change and unregulated wells are depleting the West’s groundwater reserves.

Agricultural extension agents help farms succeed. But in Indian Country, they’re scarce.

On the Hopi Reservation, one agent is helping her community grow food. But for how long?

The western U.S. is locked in the grips of the first human-caused megadrought, study finds

Only one drought in the past 1,200 years comes close to the ongoing, global warming-driven event

Making Citizen Science Accessible for All

Although socioeconomic factors affect countless other life outcomes, they do not predict the success of a citizen scientist, according to UArizona researchers working to make science accessible to communities living in the shadow of environmental contamination.