Climate Change
Ongoing Megadrought Puts the West in ‘Uncharted Waters’
Scientists say the current drought in the West is the region’s driest 22-year stretch in more than 1,200 years
Stories by Anne C. Mulkern
Climate Change
California Faces Summer Blackouts from Climate Extremes
Energy planners are working to increase the grid’s reliability to keep the power on during droughts, wildfires and heat waves
Climate Change
Little Snow Is Left in California, Setting Up a Dangerous Wildfire Season
As of April 1, statewide snowpack stood at just 38 percent of the average for that date
Natural Disasters
California Braces for Another Cataclysmic Wildfire Season
Blazes burned more than three million acres last year—nearly the size of Connecticut
Climate Change
Spikes in Air-Conditioning Use with Warming Could Tax Electric Grid
Without enough capacity to meet demand, energy utilities may have to stage rolling blackouts during heat waves
Fossil Fuels
Los Angeles Bans New Oil Wells and Will Phase Out Existing Ones
The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to end drilling in the city for public health reasons
Climate Change
California Presents Plan to Prevent Extreme Heat Deaths
The report follows a heat wave that killed hundreds across the western U.S. this summer
Renewable Energy
California Law Aims to Turn Food Waste into Renewable Energy
The program will be the nation’s largest attempt to reduce methane emissions from rotting food in landfills
Climate Change
Climate Change Magnified Recent California Deluge
The atmospheric river that soaked parts of the state is an example of increasing weather volatility
Climate Change
California Battles Historic Drought with $5.2 Billion
The state is using the money to upgrade drinking and wastewater systems, improve streamflows, and relocate vulnerable fish
Natural Disasters
‘Explosive’ Dixie Fire Could Become Biggest in CA History
Extremely dry conditions could help the blaze overtake last year’s August Complex fire as the record holder
Natural Disasters
New Wildfire Tactic: Help People Flee
California firefighters are updating evacuation maps and keeping routes free
Climate Change
Drought Threatens to Close California Hydropower Plant for First Time
Shutting down the plant, which has run continuously since 1967, would squeeze already tight electricity supplies
Climate Change
Soaring Temperatures and Wildfire Threaten California’s Power Grid
Residents were asked to limit energy use as another heat dome baked the region
Climate Change
Unprecedented Heat Wave in Pacific Northwest Driven by Climate Change
Pacific Ocean cyclones are pumping up the high pressure system roasting the region
Climate Change
California May Buy Up Beach Houses Threatened by Sea-Level Rise
Municipalities would then rent the homes until they are doomed
Weather
Record Heat Bakes Drought-Stricken West
Blistering temperatures add to concerns of a potentially devasting wildfire season
Energy
Deal Sets Stage for U.S. Floating Wind Turbine Boom
Wind production in California waters could produce far more electricity than current East Coast projects
Transportation
Does this Make Sense? Gasoline Delivered to Your Car
Gas trucks fill your vehicle where it is parked
Climate Change
California Is Closing the Door to Gas in New Homes
The state aims to reduce natural gas use for home heating and hot water as part of its bid to lower emissions
