News

Sunrise shot of the Tucson area from the roof of the Thomas W. Keating Bioresearch Building (BIO5 Institute)

Celebrated for its vast natural beauty, wild rivers, iconic landscapes, and old-growth forests, the western United States is also central to some of our nation’s most critical environmental issues, including drought, wildfire, urban sprawl, and natural and cultural resource management. Learn how our research provides solutions to environmental challenges for the Desert Southwest, and beyond.

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Kathy Jacobs headshot

Local Opinion: Hard-nosed Arizonans can lead the way on climate change

There’s no sugarcoating it: Arizona, like most of the U.S., is experiencing a climate emergency. It’s clear we are at a breaking point.

Chloe Penna: Sprouting Her Roots in Environmentalism at University

This aerial view of the Colorado River was shot with a GoPro camera.

Building Resilience in the Face of a Dwindling Colorado River

Policymakers, industry and conservation professionals, and tribal members explore pathways to a sustainable future for the millions of people reliant on the “lifeblood of the American West.”

Hands touching gardening soil

Ruth Pannill, IndigeFEWSS Trainee, Reflects on her internship

Isabel Baron on Finding Inspiration in the Tucson Community

Alex Floyd on Embracing his Roots in Environmentalism to Advocate For Responsible Investment

Sharon Collinge to Join AIRES as New Director

Green Guides Student Ambassador, Franny Slater, Retires After 3 Years and Many Changes

Tucson Water bringing life back to Santa Cruz River

Even the Cactus May Not Be Safe From Climate Change

More than half of species could face greater extinction risk by midcentury, a new study found, as rising heat and dryness test the prickly plants’ limits.

Researchers at Biosphere 2 will plant coffee trees to celebrate Earth Day

Twenty-five coffee trees will be planted in the Biosphere 2 to help researchers investigate how climate change will affect coffee trees. An Earth Day 5K run will also be held at the research facility.

Why there's hope in the face of climate change

For many of us, climate change conjures up nothing but images of doom and destruction, from disastrous storms to wildfires to scorching heat. And it’s true — much of what we read about climate change paints a dire picture of our planet’s future.