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Climate Central analyzed 243 U.S. locations and found that 67% have already shifted to warmer planting zones between 1951-1980 and 1995-2024. Projections based on the SSP2-4.5 pathway suggest 90% of these locations will shift to warmer zones by mid-century (2036-2065), with the Upper Midwest expected to see the most significant warming.

Climate Central's analysis of 198 U.S. cities shows that 87% have experienced longer freeze-free growing seasons since 1970, increasing by an average of 20 days. This trend, driven by carbon pollution and warming, extends the period plants release pollen, worsening seasonal allergies for millions, including approximately 19% of U.S. children. The report highlights that CO2 levels also boost pollen production, potentially increasing it by 200% by the end of the century, with disproportionate health impacts on Black and Puerto Rican children who face higher asthma risks.

The document examines the prevalence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals," in the U.S. environment and population. It details the health risks, including cancer and immune suppression, and outlines the regulatory response led by the EPA's 2021 Strategic Roadmap and the 2024 National Primary Drinking Water Regulation. The brief also covers state-level phase-outs, legislative efforts in the 118th Congress, and technical challenges in remediating PFAS from water and soil.

The Southwest United States experienced an extreme heat event from June 6 to June 13, 2024, with human-caused climate change making high temperatures at least five times more likely. The event caused record-setting temperatures in cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas, led to numerous hospitalizations for heat exhaustion, and contributed to wildfires in California.

Earthjustice and Vote Solar successfully challenged several utility proposals in New Mexico to protect the growth of rooftop solar and prevent fossil fuel expansion. Key actions include blocking El Paso Electric's attempt to create a separate, higher rate class for solar customers in 2015 and defeating a rate hike by Southwestern Public Service Company in 2016. Additionally, in 2021, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission denied El Paso Electric's application to expand the Newman Generating Station, avoiding a projected $160 million cost to ratepayers.

The document argues that scientific stations cannot be 100% financially self-sufficient and must combine 'Investigative Scientific Tourism' with 'Amateur Scientific Tourism' to achieve holistic sustainability. Using the OET stations in Costa Rica (La Selva and Las Cruces), it proposes a target visitor mix of 40% researchers and 60% high-paying amateurs to maximize revenue and reduce seasonality. Key recommendations include territorial zoning to separate researchers from tourists, implementing differentiated pricing, and establishing university consortia to ensure a steady flow of students and institutional funding.

Climate change is extending the freeze-free growing season in the United States, leading to longer periods of pollen exposure for nearly 20 million allergy sufferers. Analysis of 201 cities shows that 83% experienced longer growing seasons since 1970, with the most significant increases in the western U.S. Additionally, rising atmospheric CO2 levels are shown to increase the quantity and allergenicity of pollen from plants like ragweed.