Arizona Institute for Resilience

08/28/2026

What if we told you that more than 95% of the rain and snow that falls in Arizona never reaches our groundwater?

That surprising finding is at the heart of new research discussed by Katharine Jacobs, former director of the Center for Climate Adaptation Science and Solutions at AIR, on KJZZ Phoenix. The Arizona Tri-University Recharge and Water Reliability Project is exploring how Arizona can better capture precipitation before it's lost to evapotranspiration and recharge aquifers that communities depend on.

Rather than letting water evaporate or run off, researchers are identifying practical ways to help more of it soak into the ground, from smarter urban stormwater management to improving recharge in forested landscapes.

As Arizona faces hotter temperatures and increasing water challenges, research like this is helping shape solutions for a more resilient future.

Listen to the interview and learn how science is informing Arizona's water future: https://www.kjzz.org/the-show/2026-07-07/more-than-95-of-the-rain-that-falls-in-arizona-is-lost-to-evapotranspiration

08/28/2026

Join the Agnese Nelms Haury Program and the Arizona Institute for Resilience on Wednesday, Sept. 2 from 10am-11am to meet this year’s Graduate Research Award recipients and learn about the Indigenous resilience research they’re advancing across The University of Arizona.

Start with Research Bingo and networking from 10–10:30 a.m., followed by introductions to the 2026 awardees at 10:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public, with a Zoom option available.

Learn more and register: https://air.arizona.edu/events/meet-greet-2026-haury-indigenous-resilience-graduate-research-cohort-0

08/28/2026

Congratulations to Brian Enquist, professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at The University of Arizona and researcher with AIR’s Lovejoy Center for Bridging Biodiversity, Conservation Science and Policy on receiving the Ecological Society of America’s 2026 Robert H. MacArthur Award for Meritorious Contributions by a Mid-Career Ecologist.

Enquist’s research connects plant physiology, biodiversity and ecosystem function, helping build more quantitative and predictive ways to understand how ecosystems respond to environmental change.

His work reflects the kind of interdisciplinary research that is central to AIR’s mission of building resilience through science, collaboration and a deeper understanding of our changing environment.

We’re proud to celebrate this well deserved recognition of Brian’s contributions to ecology and conservation science.

Read more: https://research.arizona.edu/news/u-leads-all-universities-2026-ecological-society-america-honors?utm_campaign=Arizona+Institute+for+Resilience&utm_content=Congratulations+to+Brian+&utm_medium=social&utm_publication=20260828&utm_source=facebook

08/26/2026

Extreme heat is the deadliest climate hazard, yet it's often the least visible.

In a recent episode of the America Adapts - The Climate Change Podcast, Ladd Keith, director of the Heat Resilience Initiative at AIR and associate research professor at Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy and in UA College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture, explores why extreme heat remains one of the most overlooked climate risks and what communities can do to better prepare. The conversation examines how heat affects public health, infrastructure, and policymaking, while highlighting strategies that can build more resilient communities.

At AIR, Dr. Keith leads interdisciplinary research that advances heat planning, policy, and governance to help communities respond to rising temperatures and strengthen resilience across Arizona and beyond.

Listen to the episode and learn how research is shaping the future of heat resilience:

Extreme Heat: The Deadliest Climate Hazard Is Also the Most Invisible with Dr. Ladd Keith. Ep. 257.

08/25/2026

Looking for ways to get involved in environment, sustainability and resilience at the University of Arizona?

The latest Growing Green newsletter by Arizona Environment within AIR is here, featuring opportunities, resources, jobs, internships and events for U of A students.

ENR2’s 11th Birthday Bash is coming up September 1 from 1–4 p.m. at ENR2. Celebrate one of campus’s favorite spaces with a Student Environment Resource Fair, arts and crafts, a remote sensing demonstration, a scavenger hunt, free tote bags and snacks.

It’s a great opportunity to connect with environmental programs and resources across The University of Arizona while celebrating ENR2.

Check out the latest newsletter for the Birthday Bash and more ways to get involved: https://environment.arizona.edu/growing-green

08/24/2026

More than 95% of the rain that falls in Arizona never reaches our groundwater. What can we do about it?

Kathy Jacobs, director of the Center for Climate Adaptation Science and Solutions (CCASS) at AIR, and Neha Gupta, assistant research professor at CCASS and The University of Arizona, Department of Hydrology & Atmospheric Sciences, are leading efforts to better understand groundwater recharge and water reliability across the state.

One key insight from their research: while Arizona receives millions of gallons of precipitation each year, most is lost through evaporation and plant processes before it can replenish underground water supplies. Identifying opportunities to capture and use more of that water could help build a more resilient future for Arizona communities.

Read the full story on KTAR News 92.3 and learn how AIR researchers are advancing water resilience:

The Arizona Tri-University Recharge Project released the findings of a study on how to capture water and use it to increase groundwater recharge.

08/23/2026

As extreme heat intensifies, communities are looking for solutions that make neighborhoods safer and more livable.

A recent Los Angeles Magazine feature highlights how Pacoima, one of Los Angeles’ hottest neighborhoods, is using reflective pavement to combat urban heat. The project has helped lower surface temperatures by more than 16°F in some areas and air temperatures by 3.4°F.

Ladd Keith, Director of AIR’s Heat Resilience Initiative, associate professor in UA College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture and Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, contributed his expertise on building community heat resilience.

His insights underscore that reducing heat requires more than lowering temperatures. Communities also need shade, green space and thoughtful planning to protect residents, create more comfortable public spaces and reduce the everyday costs of extreme heat.

Read the full story:

Pacoima’s reflective pavement project is lowering temperatures and helping combat Los Angeles’ urban heat island effect.

08/22/2026

Monsoon season is in full swing, and the AIR Monsoon Fantasy Forecasts is giving us a reason to pay even closer attention to the skies.

We’re highlighting some incredible monsoon photos captured by Zack Gudio, director of the AIR International Resilience Lab at The University of Arizona and lead of Monsoon Fantasy, showing just how much beauty Arizona’s summer storms can bring.

How is your Monsoon Fantasy season going so far? We want to see what you’re seeing. Share your favorite monsoon photos in the comments and show us your best storm views, clouds, rain, and sunsets.

All photos are taken by Zack Guido. Learn more about Monsoon Fantasy Forecasts: https://monsoonfantasy.arizona.edu?utm_campaign=Arizona+Institute+for+Resilience&utm_content=Monsoon+season+is+in+full&utm_medium=social&utm_publication=20260822&utm_source=facebook

08/21/2026

Join AIR’s Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill to learn about the snakes and other venomous reptiles found throughout the Sonoran Desert with Robert A. Villa, President of the Tucson Herpetological Society.

The event takes place tomorrow, August 22 from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Tumamoc Hill Historic Boathouse and is free and open to all.

Learn more and RSVP at https://air.arizona.edu/events/venomous-reptiles-tumamoc-hill-5

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