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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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Off-grid Summer Immersion Experience on the Navajo Nation: Trainee Alex Trahan

Trainee William Borkan Conducts Internship with the Navajo Nation EPA Superfund

Trainee Sarah Abney serves at The Peoples Water Board Coalition and the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization in Detroit, MI

Giselle Lugo in front of large rock formation

Giselle Lugo Combines Her Interests to Explore Environment at Arizona

Wet monsoon dwarfs last year's totals

Monsoon rains are finally putting a dent in Arizona’s epic drought — but so far it’s an itsy, bitsy divot.

Monsoon brings welcome rain to Southwest, but drought stubbornly persists

The rain has eased fire concerns, but a lot more is needed to replenish water supplies.

This is what Tucson's wettest July looks like

U.N. climate panel confronts implausibly hot forecasts of future warming

Next month, after a yearlong delay because of the pandemic, the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will begin to release its first major assessment of human-caused global warming since 2013.

Western drought drives water levels at Great Salt Lake and Lake Powell to historic lows

The water levels of two major water bodies — including a major reservoir — have reached historic lows in recent days amid extreme drought conditions in the western United States.

Climate Adaptation at the Department of Defense and Beyond

New UArizona-led research identifies climate change challenges faced by U.S. Department of Defense facilities, and solutions that might serve as a model for other large organizations.

'Extremely volatile': How COVID-19 threatens the global coffee industry

Kevon Rhiney drinks his coffee black, with just a hint of honey. He favours a medium-dark roast, especially from Jamaica’s Blue Mountains.

Study: Stark picture for Arizona water supply, Tucson could be oasis in desert

Arizona has been in a state of drought for two decades. For the first time in the modern history of the Colorado River, a water shortage will likely be declared at Lake Mead. Couple this with increasing temperatures and climate change and it could spell trouble for Arizona's water supply.