The End is Coming for California’s Untouchable Grass

The law, which applies to grass that isn't used for recreational purposes, could cut urban water use across California by more than 20% says Oakland thinktank.... Read more.

Santa Rosa Residents Rethink Trees

The heat-burdened Roseland neighborhood is learning how to monitor temperatures and developing an action plan focused on tree shade.... Read more.

Could Avocados Be A Transformational Fruit for the Bay Region?

Local growers and activists are planting avocado trees to build climate resilience, local food systems, and alternatives to imported fruit.... Read more.

New Rules on Rebuilds, FEMA Says No to Wet Feet

New construction projects supported by federal emergency funding must be built to withstand extreme floods, including anticipated rise in sea level.... Read more.

Big Oil Cheats Generations

A government report calls out Big Oil for delaying action of climate change for decades. A local activist isn't surprised.... Read more.

Working and Playing in the Coastal Zone

KneeDeep profiles Arye Janoff and Bekah Lane. Janoff surfs and manages coastal dredging and restoration projects for the Army Corps; Lane monitors whales for the... Read more.

Unpacking the Hold Up on Heat Protection for Indoor Workers

A long queue of indoor laborers pleaded with the Standards Board of the Cal OSHA last spring to implement long-awaited rules, developed almost five years ago, to... Read more.

Post-Election Review of Climate Results

The 2022 midterm election saw the passage of various measures throughout the Bay Area to advance California’s climate goals.... Read more.

Valley Cities Beat Back the Heat

In the capital region and Silicon Valley, two cities have been experimenting with cooler roofs, walls and leafy canopies. Turns out cooling measures in one spot... Read more.

Muggy Days, Sleepless Nights

Climate modeling has shown that the extreme heat events in the state’s future will be accompanied by more humidity, making it hard for coastal residents, unaccustomed... Read more.

Chasing the Fireline

In California, climate change has has left a collection of wildfire hazard zone maps, published 15 years ago, out of date.... Read more.

Not Just Any Wall Anywhere

Maladaptation, and failing to adapt in time, can be almost as dangerous as climate change.... Read more.

Solar Ceilings for Farmland, Coal Mines, Desert

Almost 3,000 acres of Mojave Desert will soon be permanently shaded by solar panels. Federal officials have indicated they’re ready to approve a third plant in... Read more.

Dryer Vents Blow Hot Air & Microplastics

New research confirms that air vents on tumble dryers – rather than washing machines – may be a leading source of microplastic fibers from clothing in the environment.... Read more.

Warming to Managed Retreat

To own beachfront property was once a crown jewel of the California dream. Now, many homes at or near the water’s edge are doomed as sea level rises, and for residents,... Read more.

Resisting Retreat for Coastal Communities?

In the coastal getaway town of Stinson Beach, king tides and storm surges regularly put roads and parking lots underwater: wintertime events that give locals an... Read more.