A record 5-day arctic cold blast in the Southwest U.S. and Northeast Mexico in February 2011 destroyed native cacti as well as agricultural crops, including these prickly pear.
Lead CCASS Contact: Gregg Garfin
Higher summer temperatures projected for the Southwest will increase the demand for energy, especially during periods of peak load. Interactions between energy and water systems create additional vulnerabilities, including cascading impacts that affect public health and safety. A regional group of researchers and resource managers with expertise in water, energy, climate, natural hazards, and emergency management met in September 2015, to address management of and preparedness for high-impact, low-probability events.
Related publication: https://eos.org/meeting-reports/anticipating-cascading-effects-from-climate-extremes