Water

Runoff from a high-intensity storm during the 2022 McKinney Fire depleted oxygen in the Klamath River to levels lethal to fish, killing aquatic life along nearly 60 miles of one of California's most culturally significant waterways.

While there are many safety concerns after a wildfire, three deserve particular attention: chemicals in surviving buildings, the safety of drinking water and whether burned lots are ready for rebuilding.

When people think about wildfires, they usually think about flames, smoke and evacuations. However, for many communities, some of the most important damage begins after the fire has passed.

Heavy rain is often welcome in California. Some years, we're practically desperate for it. Big rain events replenish reservoirs, refill groundwater, and keep ecosystems alive, but can cause major problems in areas burned by wildfires.

Across much of the Western United States, winter 2026 was the year the snow never came. Many ski resorts got by with snowmaking but shut down their winter operations early. Fire officials and water supply managers are worried about summer.

Iran faces severe, regime‑driven environmental collapse—water depletion, pollution, mismanagement and repression of scientists—fueling unrest, economic hardship and growing public anger that now threatens the government’s stability.

By mid-August, Dragon Bravo was a “megafire,” having burned over 140,000 acres, and was one of the largest fires in Arizona history. It had destroyed more than 70 structures, including the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge, and sent smoke across the region.

Recurring flash floods highlight the risks of heavy rainfall on previously burned areas. While Ruidoso's floods are the most recent example, colliding climate hazards threaten communities, ecosystems, and the services that these nature systems provide.