Climate Episodes
Analyzing how climate change is reshaping American deserts, from rising temperatures and prolonged droughts to shifting ecosystems and increasing wildfires.
Aug. 15, 2025
S4E31: 5 Years On: Cima Dome After the Flames
Chris Clarke reflects on the fifth anniversary of the Dome Fire, which devastated over 44,000 acres of the Joshua Tree forest in the Mojave National Preserve. The episode explores themes of loss, recovery, and environmental impact, as Clarke recounts his personal connection to the area and its tran…
June 20, 2022
S1E12: What's Happening to the Monsoon?
Chris and Alicia explore the harsh realities of desert life in "90 Miles from Needles" with guest Jan Emming from Desert Sense Nursery. Discussing climate change, its impact on the desert biome, and recent rainfall patterns, they delve into survival strategies amidst shifting weather dynamics. List…
April 22, 2022
S1E8: The IPCC Lets the Deserts Down
Plus, why rock stacking is a bad habit, and how you can keep the state of California from stripping protections from the western Joshua tree. Listen to the episode either before or after you click here: https://act.biological...
Feb. 16, 2022
S1E4: The End of the Cadillac Desert: Megadrought in the Southwest
As we publish, scientists are announcing that the last dozen years are the driest in more than a millennium. With the desert's cities ever more dependent on water from the Colorado River, how will southwestern society meet th...
Feb. 1, 2022
S1E3: The Life, Death, and Rebirth of Cima Dome
Cima Dome was supposed to be a place where Joshua trees were most likely to survive climate change. A climate-accentuated wildfire hit there anyway. In this episode, Chris relates how much the Cima Dome Joshua tree forest mea...