wildfires

Western Gray Squirrel Listed as Endangered in Washington State

Western Gray Squirrel Listed as Endangered in Washington State

The Western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus) has been listed as a threatened species in the state of Washington since 1993. Now, the state has decided to list the species, sometimes known as the silver gray squirrel, as endangered. Following a periodic status review meeting on Nov. 17, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) […]

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    Drought 101: Everything You Need to Know

    Drought 101: Everything You Need to Know

    Quick Key Facts What Is a Drought? A meteorological drought is when there is a severe lack of precipitation in a given area for a notable amount of time. But as the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska explains, whether or not an area is experiencing a drought is “in relation to […]

    ‘Uncharted Territory’: Human Activity Pushing 20 of Earth’s 35 Vital Signs to the Limit, Scientists Warn

    ‘Uncharted Territory’: Human Activity Pushing 20 of Earth’s 35 Vital Signs to the Limit, Scientists Warn

    According to a new study, life on our planet is “under siege” from humans and its “vital signs” have been pushed to the limit. As wildfires rage and record temperatures cause everything from coral bleaching to widespread drought and water shortages, the international team of scientists who declared a climate emergency back in 2019 have […]

    Prescribed Burns Can Help Prevent Wildfires, but the Climate Crisis Is Making It Harder to Light Them Safely

    Prescribed Burns Can Help Prevent Wildfires, but the Climate Crisis Is Making It Harder to Light Them Safely

    Controlled burns or “prescribed fires” are used by trained firefighters to prevent wildfires in the Western United States by clearing away dried plant material that could potentially feed a natural, healthy fire. Certain weather conditions are necessary for firefighters to execute controlled burns safely. They must be dry enough that fires can ignite, but not […]

    Landmark ‘David and Goliath’ Youth Climate Trial Begins

    Landmark ‘David and Goliath’ Youth Climate Trial Begins

    In an “unprecedented” climate change case, six young people from areas in Portugal affected by heat waves and wildfires took 32 European governments to court today, arguing that the countries’ failure to take swift action on the climate crisis violated their human rights. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will hear the case, which […]

    California Orders Bottled Water Company to Stop Drawing From Natural Springs Needed for Wildlife Habitat and Wildfire Protection

    California Orders Bottled Water Company to Stop Drawing From Natural Springs Needed for Wildlife Habitat and Wildfire Protection

    The California State Water Resources Control Board has ordered Arrowhead bottled water’s parent company BlueTriton to significantly reduce the amount of water it takes from natural springs in the San Bernardino National Forest. The company has been drawing water from the Strawberry Creek watershed, which provides protection from wildfires and serves as an important wildlife […]