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Colorado River

Precipitation may brighten Colorado River’s future

May 3, 2024

The Colorado River’s future may be a little brighter than expected, according to a new modeling study from CIRES researchers. Warming temperatures have raised doubts the river could recover. But the new study paints a fuller picture.

Photomontage of the evolution of a tornado

What’s with the wild tornadoes? Expert weighs in

May 3, 2024

In the past few weeks, multiple tornadoes have wreaked havoc in the central and southern U.S. Atmospheric scientist Andrew Winters says more may be on the way and offers tips to stay safe.

Iron oxides stain the bed of Upper East Mancos River in southwestern Colorado

Warming climate is putting more metals into Colorado’s mountain streams

April 25, 2024

Warming temperatures are causing a steady rise in copper, zinc and sulfate in the waters of Colorado mountain streams affected by acid rock drainage. Concentrations of these metals have roughly doubled over the past 30 years, a new study finds, presenting a concern for ecosystems, downstream water quality and mining remediation.

Offshore wind farm off the U.K. coast

How much energy can offshore wind farms in the US produce? New study sheds light

April 25, 2024

Proposed wind farms off the East Coast could meet 60% of the electricity demand of New England, even considering the wake effects, a new study shows.

Emily King Kinsey in front of Boulder Flatirons

Is communication around climate change just hot air?

April 22, 2024

A researcher’s experience in advertising, marketing and public relations gives her a unique angle to study organizational communications and policy around climate impact and awareness.

Composite photo of Ramaley building in 2017 and 1970s

Why the first Earth Day went viral (pre-social media)

April 19, 2024

If you were at CU Boulder in April 1970, you were likely aware―very aware―of the first Earth Day. Two CU Boulder professors explain Earth Day’s history, impact, what it’s become and if it’s still relevant.

Onlookers observe a giant glowing globe at Fiske Planetarium

Earth Day: 7 ways CU Boulder researchers are driving change

April 18, 2024

April 22 is Earth Day, and this year's theme is “Planet vs. Plastics.” Read about seven exciting research projects at CU Boulder as you ponder the importance of Earth Day.

Plastic waste in the ocean

We’re drowning in single-use plastics. Here’s why and what we can do about it

April 18, 2024

Just in time for Earth Day, CU Boulder Professor Phaedra Pezzullo discusses her new book “Beyond Straw Man,” on the online and offline controversies regarding the global social movement to ban plastics.

A mountain chickadee

Mountain chickadees have remarkable memories. A new study explains why

April 17, 2024

Mountain chickadees have among the best spatial memory in the animal kingdom. New research identifies the genes at play and offers insight into how a shifting climate may impact the evolution of their memory skills.

A cicada on a tree

The cicadas are coming! A CU entomologist’s take on a once-in-200-years event

April 11, 2024

This summer in 15 states across the Southeast and Midwest, two cicada broods will emerge simultaneously for the first time since 1803. CU Boulder’s Sammy Ramsey offers insight on these singing, red-eyed bugs and how they benefit the planet.

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