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Inside the deadlock at the world's top climate science body

Inside the deadlock at the world's top climate science body

By Kate Abnett and Sudarshan Varadhan BRUSSELS/SINGAPORE, Oct 9 (Reuters) - The decision was expected to take minutes.

Texas High Plains Drought Persists Despite Rain

Texas High Plains Drought Persists Despite Rain

The Texas High Plains continues to face severe drought conditions despite recent rainfall in September and October 2026. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the region requires approximately 7 inches of rain over three months to fully recover from the drought. The ongoing dry conditions have severely impacted cotton farmers, with some reporting complete crop failures. Satellite imagery from NASA highlights the stark contrast between the parched landscapes of 2026 and the greener conditions of 2025. The drought has also exacerbated groundwater shortages in the High Plains aquifer, leaving many irrigation wells dry. Efforts are underway to address these challenges, including collaborations between farmers and NASA to optimize water use and restore playa lakes.

North Dakota rides soy boom, fueled by biofuels and China

North Dakota rides soy boom, fueled by biofuels and China

By Julie Ingwersen FARGO, North Dakota, Oct 7 (Reuters) - In a small outdoor plot in Fargo, North Dakota, plant breeder Carrie Dottey crouched over a tiny flower on a leafy green soybean plant, conducting research that could help convert the state, known for its wheat, into a soybean powerhouse.

UMaine Forestry Expert Co-Authors National Guidance on Disaster Preparedness

UMaine Forestry Expert Co-Authors National Guidance on Disaster Preparedness

John Daigle, a forestry professor at the University of Maine and a faculty fellow at the Center for Sustainability Solutions, has co-authored national guidance focused on helping communities prepare for extreme weather and natural disasters. This guidance is published as part of the U.S. Climate Collection, a collaborative effort by the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the American Meteorological Society (AMS). The research emphasizes the critical insights that Indigenous Knowledges and relational worldviews can offer in the context of climate adaptation, resilience, and community stewardship. The initiative aims to integrate diverse perspectives into national strategies for disaster preparedness, recognizing the long-standing wisdom and sustainable practices of Indigenous communities.

Southwest Faces Intensifying Drought Conditions

Southwest Faces Intensifying Drought Conditions

A recent Congressional Research Service (CRS) report highlights the fragmented federal response to drought management in the United States. The report notes that variable precipitation and rising temperatures are intensifying droughts in certain regions, particularly the Southwest, where unusually dry soil moisture is increasing. Federal agencies such as NOAA, USDA, and USGS contribute to drought research and monitoring, while states and local entities lead water management efforts. The report also emphasizes the role of warming in amplifying droughts through increased evaporative demand, surface-water losses, and reduced snowfall. Recent federal funding initiatives, including provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, aim to mitigate drought impacts, particularly in the Colorado River Basin. However, the CRS report describes federal assistance as substantial but fragmented, with many programs limited in scope. Source time: Tue, 06 Oct 2026 13:35:19 GMT.

UNU-CRIS Report Highlights Escalating Climate Risks in Amazon Basin

UNU-CRIS Report Highlights Escalating Climate Risks in Amazon Basin

The Amazon Basin is facing increasing threats from climate change, according to a report launched by UNU-CRIS (United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies). The report, titled 'Assessment of Regional Variations in Disaster Risk Management Strategies across the Amazon River Basin,' identifies floods, droughts, and fire hazards as escalating risks within the region. This research was prepared by a team of experts including María Jazmín Chávez Álvarez, Nidhi Nagabhatla, Daniela Chamorro Moreno, Sil Katrien Maslov-Lescrauwaet, Andrea Ribeiro Hoffmann, and Philippe De Lombaerde. The findings underscore the urgent need for effective disaster risk management strategies to address the growing environmental challenges in this critical global ecosystem.

Arizona Republic

Arizona to study water desalination, reuse projects in Mexico

Arizona to study water desalination, reuse projects in Mexico

Arizona will invest in a feasibility study of a proposed desalination plant in the Sea of Cortez, the second such proposal to get state funds.

Tunisian Firms Face Significant Revenue Reductions Due to Droughts, Study Reveals

Tunisian Firms Face Significant Revenue Reductions Due to Droughts, Study Reveals

Tunisian Firms Face Significant Revenue Reductions Due to Droughts, Study Reveals

Great Salt Lake Falls Below 30% Capacity

Great Salt Lake Falls Below 30% Capacity

The Great Salt Lake in Utah has reached a critical low, with only 29.7% of its natural volume remaining, according to Grow the Flow, a nonprofit organization focused on restoring the lake. This marks a significant decline from early 2025, when the lake was at 37.5% capacity. Over 57% of the lakebed is now exposed, and only 26% of the lake's natural area remains within a healthy salinity range to support its ecosystem. The lake's decline poses serious risks, including toxic dust storms affecting 2.5 million residents, loss of critical wildlife habitats, and reduced lake-effect snow, which could impact Utah's ski industry. The billboard campaign, launched by Grow the Flow, aims to raise public awareness by displaying real-time lake levels along major traffic routes in Salt Lake and Davis Counties.

Rainwater Harvesting Gains Traction Amidst Water Scarcity and Regulatory Push

Rainwater Harvesting Gains Traction Amidst Water Scarcity and Regulatory Push

Rainwater harvesting, the practice of collecting and storing rainwater from various surfaces like rooftops and paved areas, is gaining increased attention as a water conservation strategy. This method is being adopted in diverse regions for different purposes. In Taiwan, the market for rainwater harvesting systems is expanding due to prevalent water scarcity and government-mandated regulations. These systems are utilized for irrigation, industrial cooling, and toilet flushing, indicating a broad range of applications beyond simple water collection. Similarly, in desert environments, rainwater harvesting plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of harmful salts in the soil, thereby promoting plant growth. In Arizona, residents are employing rain barrels to capture runoff from roofs, which is then used to irrigate gardens and trees, particularly during dry periods. This highlights the adaptability of rainwater harvesting to address specific regional water challenges and support local ecosystems.

New York City Embraces Green Infrastructure to Combat Climate Pressures and Enhance Urban Ecosystems

New York City Embraces Green Infrastructure to Combat Climate Pressures and Enhance Urban Ecosystems

New York City is undergoing a significant transformation by integrating Green Infrastructure (GI) into its urban landscape. This initiative moves away from traditional 'gray' infrastructure, which primarily focuses on rapid drainage, towards natural systems designed to manage environmental conditions. Key GI elements being implemented include bioswales, which are vegetated trenches that slow and filter runoff; rain gardens, which collect water and allow it to infiltrate the soil; and permeable pavements, which enable water to seep through surfaces, recharging groundwater and reducing flooding. This shift is a response to increasing climate pressures, such as intensified heat waves and flooding, and a growing understanding of urban well-being. The city is now viewing greenery not as a luxury, but as critical infrastructure that provides essential ecological services, fostering biodiversity and improving the urban environment.