Environment Archives

Debris flow evacuees aren't being allowed to stay overnight at high schools, such as San Lorenzo Valley High (above)

Where will storm evacuees go? Local hotel options still available but rooms filling up

by Isabella Cueto January 25, 2021

With few options for those evacuating their debris flow-threatened homes, local hotel rooms were fortunately still in plentiful supply as of Monday afternoon. But the pace of bookings was speeding up.

Firefighters from the Aptos Fire Department work to put out a blaze off of Gillette Road in Watsonville on Tuesday afternoon.

Environment

Fires sweep through Santa Cruz in January. Is this our new normal?

by Mallory Pickett January 20, 2021

Climate change will create conditions for winter fires more often, but don’t rule out tiptoeing around other disasters in Santa Cruz County and statewide.

Environment

Many overheated forests may soon release more carbon than they absorb

by Bob Berwyn January 16, 2021

New research suggests that, sooner than expected, trees may become carbon sources rather than carbon sinks, as a feedback loop of rising temperatures drives them to release more greenhouse gases.

Environment

2020 ties 2016 as hottest year on record, even without warming boost from El Niño

by Tony Barboza January 14, 2021

Global warming pushed temperatures into record territory in 2020, in effect tying 2016 as the hottest year on record, according to new data.

Environment

Mounting mountain lion questions: Are cats getting sicker, are they more in our midst?

by Mallory Pickett January 9, 2021February 28, 2026

Sightings of mountain lions, some unhealthy looking, have caused concern for the big-cat population — and public safety — especially after the CZU fire. But scientists say fires are unlikely to be a serious stressor for the cats, and that technology might be making people more aware of their whereabouts.