The National Climate Assessment is out and, no surprise here, the US is still headed for disaster without major policy changes: “Summers are longer and hotter, and extended periods of unusual heat last longer while Winters are generally shorter and warmer.” Significantly conditions in the Southwest, including New Mexico, are expected to progressively worsen. But what exactly does this mean and what’s now happening with alternative energy sources? Two Los Alamos scientists have been studying these very questions and join host Stephen Spitz with the answers. Dr. Nate McDowell is the lead experimenter on how drought and a warmer climate affect plants, particularly trees native to New Mexico. We know intense heat and lack of water kills trees, but which ones die first, how long does this take, and what is the expected impact on all plant life? Dr. Jose Olivares is an expert on algae (pond scum) and will explain how algae’s use as a renewable transportation fuel can lower the climate change curve. Produced with the assistance of Jefferson White
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