Tag: drought

Climate Change Could Cost U.S. Budget $2 Trillion Annually by End Century

climate change and higher insurance rates

Flood, fire, and drought fueled by climate change could take a massive bite out of the U.S. federal budget per year by the end of the century, the White House said in its first ever such assessment on Sunday. The Office of Management and Budget assessment, tasked by President Joe Biden last May, found the… Continue reading Climate Change Could Cost U.S. Budget $2 Trillion Annually by End Century

Heat Waves Across the West Risk Blackouts as Drought Reduces Hydroelectric Power

Aerial view of Hoover Dam

States across the West are at risk of electricity shortages this summer as a crippling drought reduces the amount of water available to generate hydroelectric power. Some of the region’s largest reservoirs are at historically low levels after a dry winter and spring reduced the amount of snowpack and precipitation feeding rivers and streams. The… Continue reading Heat Waves Across the West Risk Blackouts as Drought Reduces Hydroelectric Power

Water Scarcity Is Baking Cropland, Ramping Up Wildfire Risk from California to Texas

A rusted cast iron water main cover in the desert

Normally at this time of year, Katy Kemp’s 80 head of cattle would be grazing on her family’s ranch in Staples, Texas. Instead, the herd is living off dwindling hay stores as drought dries up grassland and chokes off crops. Parts of Texas are so starved for water that ranchers are trucking feed 1,000 miles… Continue reading Water Scarcity Is Baking Cropland, Ramping Up Wildfire Risk from California to Texas