By Jacquelyn Gutierrez
Arizona might be best known for the Grand Canyon, copper and saguaro cacti, but not its rainfall. Tucsonans might see even less rain in the future, according to Michael Crimmins, a professor of soil, water and environment at the University of Arizona.
Crimmins, an associate professor and climate science extension specialist, has worked with counties across Arizona to implement drought preparedness by targeting those who will be affected first.
After reviewing scientific research, Crimmins said that monsoon season might not reach Tucson this year due to El Niño, the warm phase of ocean water that occurs in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific.
Like Crimmins, many scientists, businesses and individuals in Tucson are working to spread awareness about the effects global warming has on the community and to educate others on steps to take to save the environment.
Despite the cool May this year, Tucson temperatures overall have been warmer than other years, much of which can be contributed to climate change, scientific research shows.
A 3.23-degree rise in annual average temperature made Arizona the nation’s third-fastest-warming state from 1970 to 2019, according to an analysis by Climate Central, a nonprofit organization comprised of scientists and journalists who study and report on changing climate trends.
Crimmins, an associate professor and climate science extension specialist, has worked with counties across Arizona to implement drought preparedness by targeting those who will be affected first.
After reviewing scientific research, Crimmins said that monsoon season might not reach Tucson this year due to El Niño, the warm phase of ocean water that occurs in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific.
Like Crimmins, many scientists, businesses and individuals in Tucson are working to spread awareness about the effects global warming has on the community and to educate others on steps to take to save the environment.
Despite the cool May this year, Tucson temperatures overall have been warmer than other years, much of which can be contributed to climate change, scientific research shows.
A 3.23-degree rise in annual average temperature made Arizona the nation’s third-fastest-warming state from 1970 to 2019, according to an analysis by Climate Central, a nonprofit organization comprised of scientists and journalists who study and report on changing climate trends.
“The warming temperatures in Tucson have had an impact on water use,” Crimmins said. “The warmer temperatures are bringing more of a demand on water use, so this causes impact on local resources.” The Sustainability Program, a local program created by the City of Tucson, assists other city departments in looking for different ways to reduce the city’s footprint as well as Tucson’s energy, water and fuel costs by making greener purchases and identifying and utilizing best management practices internally, according to the city website. Other city programs that seek to impact the environment positively include: resilience planning, sustainable food systems, water sustainability, urban landscape planning, green infrastructure development and maintenance. Project Harvest is a local project that aims to inform community members through education and research about harvested rainwater, as well as soil and plants. Monica Ramirez-Andreotta, an environmental scientist and director of Project Harvest at the University of Arizona, said, “I try to look at people trying to do the right thing, like harvest rainwater, but we don’t want that effort to be diminished by pollution.” Kathy Harris, an active volunteer for Project Harvest, said she first found out about Project Harvest at her daughter’s school library. | Jacquelyn Gutierrez |
“My daughter is a very well-informed sixth grader.” Harris said. “I mean, she’s the one that told me to stop using water bottles containing BPA. It’s crazy because I had no idea about any of this at her age.”
Similar to Project Harvest, the Sonoran Institute’s mission is to connect people and communities with the natural resources that provide and sustain them. Helping people in the North American West build the communities they want to live in with commerce, community and conservation.
Climate change is a long-term problem with severe consequences for the future, with effects becoming more apparent and alarming.
Thirty years ago, the potentially disruptive impact of heat-trapping emissions from burning fossil fuels and rain forests became front-page news, Crimmin said. “There’s a change in our environment every day, bringing on a new challenge for Arizonans as they keep up the struggle with a possible water outage,” he said.
One action being taken by several organizations, such as the Tucson Water Department and Watershed Management Group, is the creation of Arizona Project WET. They provide informational festivals, water scene investigations and advising, as well as a school water audit program. Their goal is to empower and change the minds of not only children but adults, said to Kerry Schwartz, director of Arizona Project WET.
“Every action we take now, it helps lessen the longer term impact,” Schwartz said.
Similar to Project Harvest, the Sonoran Institute’s mission is to connect people and communities with the natural resources that provide and sustain them. Helping people in the North American West build the communities they want to live in with commerce, community and conservation.
Climate change is a long-term problem with severe consequences for the future, with effects becoming more apparent and alarming.
Thirty years ago, the potentially disruptive impact of heat-trapping emissions from burning fossil fuels and rain forests became front-page news, Crimmin said. “There’s a change in our environment every day, bringing on a new challenge for Arizonans as they keep up the struggle with a possible water outage,” he said.
One action being taken by several organizations, such as the Tucson Water Department and Watershed Management Group, is the creation of Arizona Project WET. They provide informational festivals, water scene investigations and advising, as well as a school water audit program. Their goal is to empower and change the minds of not only children but adults, said to Kerry Schwartz, director of Arizona Project WET.
“Every action we take now, it helps lessen the longer term impact,” Schwartz said.