SPECIAL SERIES
Extremes-in-3D

Severe drought, high winds, catastrophic wildfires, rivers of rain, mudslides, bomb cyclones — national studies show California experienced the most disasters of any state in the last decade. Many of these extremes are caused by complex cascades of climate change-driven events, and each affects specific communities and people in ways unique to their locale and ability to adapt and rebound. Over the next year, this special KneeDeep Times investigative series will explore fire, flood, and other extremes in three dimensions — science, people, place — and report on how researchers, activists, city planners, and community leaders throughout the state are building climate adaptation and resilience.
Image: Vrinda Manglik.
Part 2: Water
As both dry seasons and wet seasons become more irregular, Californians have felt the changes in our body memory. Rural and urban communities are rethinking storm preparedness while confronting climate anxiety. Scientists and water managers are revisiting long accepted norms about rainfall, drought, and snowpack. And after years of drought, long-lost, much beloved Tulare Lake is back—along with questions about how to re-imagine the state’s interior landscape.
SCIENCE STORY
PEOPLE STORY
PLACE STORY
EXTREMES-IN-3D
A five-part series of stories in which KneeDeep Times explores the science behind climate extremes in California, and how people and places react and adapt.
Part 3: Heat
Upcoming
Part 4: Storm
Upcoming
Part 5: Seasons
Upcoming
Supported by the CO2 Foundation and Pulitzer Center.
Part 1: Fire
A future with fire has settled itself into our very being as Californians. It’s happened enough times, we know the drill. Science is telling us how and when to evacuate, and where to expect mudslides and debris flows from burn scars. Neighbors at the edge of wildlands are sharing the burden of brush clearing and backyard fire safety. Schools in smoke zones are increasingly aware they may be the last healthy refuge for kids already struggling to breathe.
SCIENCE STORY
PEOPLE STORY
PLACE STORY
More stories coming.
EXTREMES-IN-3D
A five-part series of stories in which KneeDeep Times explores the science behind climate extremes in California, and how people and places react and adapt.
Part 2: Water
Upcoming
Part 3: Storm
Upcoming
Part 4: Heat
Upcoming
Part 5: Seasons
Upcoming
Supported by the CO2 Foundation and Pulitzer Center.
EXTREMES-IN-3D
SERIES CREDITS
Managing Editor: Ariel Rubissow Okamoto
Web Story Design: Vanessa Lee & Tony Hale
Science advisors: Alexander Gershunov, Patrick Barnard, Richelle Tanner
Series supported by the CO2 Foundation.
Reporting supported by Pulitzer Center, Connected Coastlines.
Special thanks for California Reeling
Jak Wonderly, Photography
Amber Manfree, Fire Map
Darren Campeau, Science Graphics Support
Special thanks for Neighborhood Wises Up
Steve Kuehl, for being present with his camera when it matters, and for banner photo.
Special acknowledgements for Safer at School?
Jasmine Hardy is not only a reporter based in Sacramento, but also works in after-school programs there. In addition, she grew up going to school in Oakland.
Sierra Garcia contributed to this story.
Banner photo is Hoover Elementary in West Oakland by Katie Rodriguez.