The week in climate
Bigger fires are transforming America’s forests, Colorado River water cuts, and more
Climate Forward
August 23, 2026

Here is some of our best climate reporting from the week.

Article Image

Bigger, Hotter Fires Are Slowly Erasing America’s Great Forests →

A river wraps around a large rock formation.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

U.S. Announces Colorado River Cuts for 3 States Amid Drought →

An aerial view of a combine harvester working in a large golden field, kicking up a wide cloud of dust. Trees are visible in the background.

Lisi Niesner/Reuters

The World’s Breadbaskets Are Getting Pounded by War, Weather and Trade Feuds →

People stand on a beach looking at the ocean, one holding a white surfboard. An oil platform is visible offshore.

Ariana Drehsler for The New York Times

How Trump Is Trying to Crush California’s Environmental Policies →

Snow-covered mountains tower above grasslands and water.

Acacia Johnson for The New York Times

Court Blocks Road Through Alaskan Wildlife Refuge →

A dam stops a river that runs past red rocks.

John Locher/Associated Press

Nation’s Largest Reservoirs Are Drying Up, Threatening Life in the Southwest →

A grizzly bear walks through a stream in a forest.

Ron Niebrugge/Alamy

Trump Administration Moves to Allow Logging in Pristine National Forests →

White contrails stand out against a blue sky.

Ben Stansall/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

U.K. to Test Whether Tweaks to Trans-Atlantic Flight Paths Affect Global Warming →

CLIMATE FORWARD

This week’s newsletter editions featuring news and analysis for a warming world.

President Trump seated at a desk in the White House. He his holding up a document with his signature. About a dozen supporters stand around the desk applauding.

Climate: Trump vs. California

At least a half-dozen federal agencies have moved to undermine the state’s environmental efforts.

By Maxine Joselow

A city street lined with lush trees on both sides.

Climate: Saving Old Trees Might Save Lives

We know that trees are good for cities. A new study finds that mature trees are especially good.

By Alexander Nazaryan

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