20 December 2017
Climate change may boost rain in Kenyan river basin
Kenya's Tana River Basin, which has experienced drought over the past few years, is likely to get wetter this century.
Kenya's Tana River Basin, which has experienced drought over the past few years, is likely to get wetter this century.
The U.S. Forest Service is firing 3,400 employees, affecting roles in wildfire prevention, timber production and land restoration, following the deadline for a Trump administration program that encouraged voluntary resignations.
In short:
Key quote:
“Protecting the people and communities we serve, as well as the infrastructure, businesses, and resources they depend on to grow and thrive, remains a top priority for the USDA and the Forest Service.”
— U.S. Department of Agriculture spokesperson
Why this matters:
The Forest Service plays a key role in managing national forests and responding to wildfires, which have become more severe due to climate change. Cutting 10% of its workforce could weaken efforts to maintain public lands, prevent wildfires and support ecosystems. Many of those laid off handle fieldwork, including forest restoration and timber management, making it harder to mitigate fire risks. With federal agencies facing broader staff reductions, the long-term impact on environmental conservation and disaster response remains uncertain.
Read more: Wildfire resources in the US are stretched thin despite federal claims of full staffing
A halt on federal grants and loans has left small business owners and farmers unsure if they’ll be reimbursed for solar panels, irrigation pumps and other energy upgrades they installed under the promise of government support.
In short:
Key quote:
“It’s really counterproductive to go after a program that does so much to help farmers bring down their costs.”
— Andy Olsen, senior policy advocate at the Environmental Law and Policy Center
Why this matters:
Renewable energy projects in rural areas reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut costs for farmers and help stabilize local economies. Without federal support, many small businesses and farms may struggle to afford clean energy improvements, slowing the transition to sustainable energy. The funding freeze reflects a broader shift in federal priorities, favoring traditional energy sources over renewables, which could have long-term impacts on rural development and climate resilience.
Read more: Trump’s climate funding freeze leaves rural businesses in limbo
Gov. Josh Shapiro is suing the federal government, alleging that the Trump administration’s freeze on billions in congressionally approved climate funds is illegal and jeopardizing Pennsylvania’s environmental programs and jobs.
In short:
Key quote:
“By blocking these funds, the Trump administration is putting policies before people, compromising real progress to improve the lives of hardworking families.”
— Joanne Kilgour, executive director, Ohio River Valley Institute
Why this matters:
Shapiro says this freeze isn’t just a bureaucratic headache — it’s a threat to critical environmental programs and thousands of jobs across the state. Without the promised cash, vital projects are stalled, leaving vulnerable communities hanging and threatening Pennsylvania’s ability to tackle climate threats head-on.
Premier Doug Ford's government has pledged more than $17 billion for energy projects as it seeks a third term in the province's general election next week, reversing past decisions and betting heavily on nuclear power and natural gas.
In short:
Key quote:
“We need more long-term vision to build our energy security and we need governments to think beyond two to three-year cycles to think about our kids and grandkids.”
— Stephen Lecce, Ontario energy minister
Why this matters:
Ontario's energy policy will shape the province’s environmental and economic future. The government’s push for nuclear and natural gas risks increasing emissions and long-term waste challenges, while its shifting stance on renewables raises concerns about stability. With electricity demand expected to grow 75% by 2050, decisions made now will have lasting consequences for energy affordability, sustainability and public health.
Chris Wright, the new U.S. energy secretary, dismissed Germany’s shift to renewable energy as costly and unreliable, but experts say his analysis ignores key details.
In short:
Key quote:
“If you’re going to bet on fossil fuels, you’re going to bet on volatility, you’re going to bet on really high prices sometimes, and really low prices sometimes.”
— Greg Nemet, professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
Why this matters:
Germany’s energy transition is often cited as a case study in shifting from fossil fuels to renewables. While the process has had challenges, it has also driven advancements in clean energy technology. Wright’s comments reflect a broader U.S. debate over energy policy, particularly the role of natural gas versus renewables. His emphasis on fossil fuels raises concerns about future climate policy and the nation’s approach to energy security.
Global temperatures have surged in the past two years, and researchers now say a drop in cloud cover may be fueling the rise — and possibly triggering a feedback loop that accelerates warming.
In short:
Key quote:
“We are kind of in crunch time. We have a really strong climate signal — and from year to year it’s getting stronger.”
— Helge Goessling, climate physicist at the Alfred Wegener Institute
Why this matters:
Clouds are among the most complex and least understood pieces of the climate puzzle. Acting as both a sunshade and a blanket, they reflect some of the sun’s energy back into space while also trapping heat that radiates from the Earth's surface. The interaction of these processes has long been a key question for climate scientists, but new research suggests a troubling possibility: If cloud cover declines significantly, the planet could heat up much faster than expected.
Related: Scientists warn that 2023's extreme ocean heat may signal a major climate shift
A year of extreme storms in 2023 failed to replenish Los Angeles’ deep groundwater supply, leaving aquifers struggling to recover from years of drought, a new study finds.
In short:
Key quote:
“It appears that a single epic storm season is not enough to restore the groundwater depletion accumulated over the recent droughts.”
— Shujuan Mao, assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin
Why this matters:
California’s groundwater crisis is a slow-moving disaster with consequences that extend far beyond the state’s borders. For decades, cities and farms have pumped more water from underground aquifers than nature can replace, a problem exacerbated by recurring droughts and rising demand. In dry years, groundwater can supply up to 60% of the state’s freshwater, making it an essential buffer against dwindling surface water supplies. But as wells are drilled deeper to reach vanishing reserves, the damage to underground water stores may become irreversible.
Related: Turning lawns into microfarms helps Los Angeles families conserve water and grow fresh food
“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.
We must prioritize minority-serving institutions, BIPOC-led organizations and researchers to lead environmental justice efforts.
Responses to the new rules have been mixed, and environmental advocates worry that Trump could undermine them.
Prisons, jails and detention centers are placed in locations where environmental hazards such as toxic landfills, floods and extreme heat are the norm.
The leadership team talks about what they’ve learned — and what lies ahead.
Top polluters are benefiting the most from tax breaks.