Tag: climate change

New Mexico Redirects Seedling Program to Burned Forests, Betting on Recovery in a Warming Climate

New Mexico is redirecting scarce tree seedlings to burned forests in a bid to restore ecosystems, protect water supplies and prevent permanent landscape change.

What New Mexico Farmers and Ranchers Need to Know About Federal Drought Relief

The USDA has declared all 33 New Mexico counties drought disaster areas, giving farmers and ranchers access to emergency loans as severe drought tightens its grip across the state.

After 13 Years of Water War, New Mexico Secures a Rare Victory on the Rio Grande

The U.S. Supreme Court’s approval of a landmark Rio Grande settlement ends a 13-year water war between Texas, New Mexico and the federal government, giving New Mexico farmers certainty while helping the state avoid potentially devastating financial penalties. The agreement reshapes water management in the drought-stricken Southwest and signals a rare legal and political victory for New Mexico in an era of escalating climate pressures.

The Disappearance of Insects is no Longer Subtle — and Scientists Warn the Collapse Could Unravel Ecosystems Humans Depend On

New Mexico’s vanishing insects are more than an environmental concern. Scientists say collapsing butterfly, cricket and grasshopper populations signal a growing ecological crisis fueled by climate change, pesticide use and habitat loss — one that could reshape food systems, bird populations and the stability of ecosystems humans depend on.

Oracle’s $5 Billion Pitch to New Mexico: Can Project Jupiter Win Over Skeptical Residents?

Oracle is rolling out a statewide advertising campaign to build support for Project Jupiter, its massive planned data center campus in Doña Ana County. The company promises jobs, cleaner energy and minimal water use, but residents and environmental advocates remain skeptical about the long-term impact of AI infrastructure in drought-stricken New Mexico.

“The Desert Is Not for Sale”: Inside the Revolt Against a Massive ‘Green’ Data Center in Rural New Mexico

A proposed renewable-powered AI data center in rural New Mexico has ignited fierce resistance from residents who fear the project threatens scarce water resources, fragile desert ecosystems and local control. The battle unfolding in Socorro reflects a growing national conflict over the environmental costs of artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Thirsty Deserts, Salty Solution — New Mexico Launches $13M Mapping, Testing, and Treating Brackish Water Contracts

Facing worsening drought and shrinking freshwater reserves, New Mexico is investing millions in brackish water desalination and underground aquifer mapping. State officials say the initiative could help secure drought-resilient water supplies for future generations, particularly in rural and tribal communities.

New Mexico’s Recipe for Hantavirus Risk—Climate, Deer Mice, and Country Living

More than 30 years after the Four Corners outbreak, New Mexico continues to report among the nation’s highest hantavirus pulmonary syndrome cases. Experts say the state’s ecology, climate cycles and rural living conditions have created an enduring hotspot for the rare but deadly disease carried by deer mice.

Gas, Drought, and Survival: Albuquerque Farmers Brace for a Tough Season at the Rail Yards Market

As Albuquerque’s Rail Yards Market opens for the season, local farmers say soaring fuel costs and worsening drought conditions are threatening their livelihoods. Some growers are raising prices to survive, while others absorb losses to keep produce affordable. Community-supported programs at the market are helping small farms weather mounting economic and climate pressures.

Snowpack Collapse Puts Rio Grande at Risk of Running Dry — Again

A snowpack collapse in New Mexico is pushing the Rio Grande toward another dry summer, with reservoirs critically low and flows at risk across key stretches.

Early Heat Wave Puts Children, Elderly, Workers Most at Risk — Health Officials Warn

An unusually early heat wave sweeping New Mexico is raising alarms as health officials warn that children, older adults, outdoor workers, and those with chronic illnesses face the highest risk, exposing gaps in preparedness and protection.

Historic Heat Wave Exposes New Mexico’s Climate Vulnerabilities

New Mexico is experiencing a historic March heat wave, with temperatures soaring into the 90s while snowpack levels plunge to record lows. Experts warn this convergence threatens water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems across the Southwest, underscoring the urgent need for climate adaptation.