Antarctica

Acidity of Antarctic waters could double by century’s end, threatening biodiversity

Jan. 9, 2024

Without drastically reducing global emissions, the Antarctic Ocean could become too acidic for hundreds of species living there, many already endangered by rising temperatures and sea ice loss.

COP28

‘The end of an era of fossil fuel consumption’: A CU prof’s take on COP28

Dec. 19, 2023

Just back from the United Nations climate summit in Dubai, Environmental Studies Professor Max Boykoff reflects on the historic pledge countries made to cut planet-warming fossil fuels—and where the agreement falls short.

Power wind farm

US utilities on track to be 100% renewable by 2060

Dec. 19, 2023

A CU Boulder study led by undergraduate Grace Kroeger found in states with and without aggressive goals, utilities plan to drop fossil fuels.

Man holding pole crouches in stream

How an overlooked study over a century ago helped fuel the Colorado River crisis

Dec. 14, 2023

At the start of World War I, a scientist named Eugene Clyde La Rue hiked the American West to estimate how much water flows down the Colorado River. His findings were ignored, but leaders today don't have to make the same mistake, says CU Boulder hydrologist Shemin Ge.

Aerial view of a snowy campus

Campus Sustainability Executive Council to lead sustainability implementation efforts

Dec. 13, 2023

A new council, chaired by Patrick O’Rourke, will be charged with leading overarching campus sustainability implementation efforts, including driving action, transparency and accountability around CU Boulder’s carbon neutrality commitments and the forthcoming campus Climate Action Plan.

Beaver

Study suggests boosting beaver populations could have toxic consequences

Dec. 12, 2023

Researchers caution, while they also come with benefits, large-scale beaver reintroduction efforts could inadvertently spread mercury-containing neurotoxins in the environment and food chains.

Right Here, Right Now panel at COP28 in Dubai

Human rights climate commitments released in Dubai

Dec. 8, 2023

CU Boulder was a key partner in the development of a set of human rights climate commitments released at COP28 in Dubai. The commitments stem from the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit held on campus in December 2022.

Moon rises over the Boulder Flatirons

CU Boulder at AGU 2023: From Earth to space

Dec. 7, 2023

At this year's meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), CU Boulder researchers will share results on everything from Earth's crusts and oceans to planets hundreds of light-years away.

Brian Hynek holding a walking stick on the shore of a lagoon

Deep within an inhospitable desert, a window to first life on Earth

Dec. 6, 2023

In Argentina's Puna de Atacama, a parched plateau more than 12,000 feet above sea level, a series of lagoons are home to microbial communities that seem to resemble nothing else alive on Earth today. But time may be running out to study them.

Forest

Protecting trees to save people from climate disaster

Dec. 4, 2023

Professor Colleen Lyons shares her take on a loss and damage fund to support forest health around the world as a critical climate change mitigation strategy. She is presenting a related call to action at COP28.

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