In California’s Mono Lake — whose alkaline waters are deadly to most insects — these diving flies don’t just survive; they thrive.
Drought
Posted inArticles
A Southwest water dispute reaches the Supreme Court
Why a fight over groundwater has left farmers in New Mexico feeling stranded.
Posted inJanuary 22, 2018: A Separatist State of Mind
Climate change forced me to leave the place that I love
After finding their dream town, a family fled drought and fire.
Posted inArticles
2017 in natural disasters
From massive wildfires to melting ice, the calamities that affected the West this year.
Posted inArticles
In the Southwest, a sustainable breed of cattle
The criollo cow can thrive in hot, dry conditions that are difficult for other breeds.
Posted inArticles
A flood of drought news can reduce water use
Drought-stricken California conserved more when media coverage spiked.
Posted inArticles
One in 30 wells in the West failed in recent years
New research shows just how many wells ran dry between 2013 and 2015.
Posted inArticles
California water project could cramp Colorado River plan
If the Delta tunnels deal sinks, it could mean increased pressure on the already-strapped Colorado.
Posted inOctober 30, 2017: The Changing Face of Woods Work
U.S. and Mexico agree to share a shrinking Colorado River
The two nations are poised to sign an updated water pact to deal with drought.
Posted inArticles
How oceans impact Western reservoirs and rivers
New research on marine temperatures could help improve drought predictions.
Posted inArticles
‘Flash drought’ threatens crops and cattle
Exceptionally dry conditions in the northern Great Plains are devastating farmers and ranchers.
Posted inArticles
Denver to get more water from the Colorado River
Colorado’s largest water supplier makes a big ask — and a bold promise — with demand for water.
Posted inArticles
Why 1 million Californians lack safe drinking water
Rural, cash-strapped communities don’t have the means to treat contaminated water.
Posted inArticles
The California drought isn’t over, it just went underground
The race to dig deeper wells is a losing game for small rural communities.
Posted inArticles
As the Great Plains disappear, a path to better farming
Since 2009, an area the size of Kansas has been converted to crops.
Posted inJune 26, 2017: Personal Pilgrimage
The Pacific Crest Trail’s shadow hikers
At the border, migrants and long-distance trekkers hike side by side but worlds apart.
Posted inArticles
How collaboration can save the Colorado River
Different interests must align for a successful restoration.
Posted inArticles
The Colorado River is shrinking because of climate change
A long-term drought threatens Western cities’ water supplies.
Posted inJune 12, 2017: The Big Swing
Climate change is shrinking the West’s water supply
Three new studies show dry times ahead.
Posted inArticles
The wine industry’s battle with climate change
Vineyards deal with drought, temperature swings and fruit that ripens too early.