Weather Whiplash is Amplifying Wildfire Risk

Weather Whiplash is Amplifying Wildfire Risk

Feb 18, 2025 |

While fires engulfed large swaths of southern California in early January, destroying more than 16,000 structures, taking at least 29 lives, and choking the air with smoke, a new study about weather whiplash was released. Co-authored by DRI’s Christine Albano, the research examined how a warming climate is creating an atmosphere more prone to extreme weather. Now, Albano and her co-authors have released a new report that applies the knowledge gained from January’s study to the recent fires, analyzing the broader climatic context that contributed to the unprecedented infernos.

Floods, Droughts, Then Fires: Hydroclimate Whiplash is Speeding up Globally

Floods, Droughts, Then Fires: Hydroclimate Whiplash is Speeding up Globally

Feb 6, 2025 |

DRI’s Christine Albano co-authored a new study that examines how a warming climate is creating an atmosphere more prone to extreme weather. This “hydroclimate whiplash” is evident in California’s recent weather, with winters filled with repeated atmospheric river storms driving the plant growth that the dry summers then parched, providing plentiful fuel for explosive wildfires.

What We Know About Wildfire Risk and Prevention 

What We Know About Wildfire Risk and Prevention 

Jan 30, 2025 |

DRI scientists conduct a wide range of research on wildfire related topics to help policymakers, fire managers, and community members navigate challenges to public safety and health. In this Q&A, a selection of our scientists answer some of the most pressing questions about the environmental conditions that lead to the most devastating blazes and offer previews into some of their most relevant research.  

Groundwater is Key to Protecting Global Ecosystems

Groundwater is Key to Protecting Global Ecosystems

Jul 17, 2024 |

New research identifies ecosystems around the world that could be threatened by declining groundwater levels. The research, published July 17 in Nature, is the first time that groundwater-dependent ecosystems have been mapped on a global scale. Led by scientists from The Nature Conservancy and DRI, the global effort brought researchers together from universities, non-profit organizations, and institutions from seven countries.

DRI’s Christine Albano Co-authors Groundbreaking New Research in Groundwater’s Role in Ecosystem Sustainability

DRI’s Christine Albano Co-authors Groundbreaking New Research in Groundwater’s Role in Ecosystem Sustainability

Apr 9, 2024 |

A new study published in Nature Water used satellite data spanning 38 years to examine how groundwater-dependent ecosystems (such as wetlands, meadows, and springs) in California respond to fluctuations in groundwater levels. The research can help shed light on how water management practices can best account for ecosystem needs in addition to those of human society.

Q&A with AGU presenter Christine Albano

Q&A with AGU presenter Christine Albano

Dec 3, 2018 | ,

Christine Albano is a hydrologist and graduate student pursuing her Ph.D. She'll be attending AGU for the first time this year. DRI: In a couple of sentences, what is the ‘plain English’ summary of what you are presenting at AGU? Christine Albano: Through our...