President Joe Biden has brought the U.S. back into the Paris Climate Agreement, and there are efforts to reduce carbon emissions in an effort to slow climate change. But climate scientist Kimberly Nicholas says we all have a part to play in that.

Extreme heat and prolonged drought have put an enormous strain on the Colorado River. As a result the life blood of the Southwest is maxed out. The 40 million people that rely on its waters are now facing pending water shortages and cutbacks. KUNC’s Luke Runyon traveled along the 1,400 miles of the Colorado.
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The Arizona Game and Fish Commission unanimously approved a ban on trail cameras, used to take pictures and videos to aid hunting. The commission ruled that the cameras breach the Fair Chase Doctrine.

Fewer greenhouse gasses were emitted globally over the last year, as people drove and flew less during pandemic-related lockdowns. But new research suggests scientists may have underestimated just how big of a drop there was.

Colorado River water managers could be pulled back to the negotiating table as soon as next year to keep its biggest reservoirs from declining further.

A recent project led by ASU’s Center for Science and the Imagination melds data, essays and fiction in presenting how cities and communities may be changed by a stronger move to renewables — including solar energy. And the project is captured in a book called "Cities of Light: A Collection of Solar Futures."

In 2010, the city of Phoenix adopted the Tree and Shade Master Plan, which called for the city to increase environmentally-friendly efforts. One of those efforts was to increase arboreal coverage of the city. On June 16, the city passed an ordinance that would codify some of its provisions into municipal law.

Trees can provide relief from the heat during the summer months, but ASU researchers say that other forms of shade can also be effective. The findings can have benefits for city planners looking to offset the heat island effect.

#AZNumbers is a weekly segment featuring thoughts and insight into Arizona's economic news. This week's number: $680 million — and a look directly into the sun. Listen to the KJZZ business block with Heather van Blokland weekdays at 6 p.m. on 91.5 FM or stream it on KJZZ.org.