USDA Southwest Climate Hub & DOI Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center

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Study Hall HQBut why, though? The Organic Illusion: How Marketing Made Us Believe Health = VirtueFrom hippie co-ops to Whole Foods' national ad campaigns, the "organic" label in U.S. food advertising has evolved from a niche ideal into a billion-dollar narrative equating health, morality, and status. This episode unpacks how clever branding, federal certification, and emotional storytelling built a powerful myth: that organic food is not only better for your body—but for your soul. We'll explore the counterculture roots, USDA's role, influencer impact, corporate greenwashing, and what the science actually says about the health benefits of going organic. A critical look behind the shelves of America’s healthiest grocery stores. **Disclaimer:** 2025-07-171h 04

The Hotshot Wake UpUSDA And DOI Sign Joint Wildfire Memo. Sec. Rollins Directs Forest Service Wildfire Response In New Order. No Tax On Overtime...?On today’s show: To support and subscribe👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/Yesterday, Secretary Rollins and Secretary Burgum received their 2025 wildfire briefing in the Forest Service offices and signed a joint wildfire memo afterward. Further, Secretary Rollins issued a memorandum directing the USDA and Forest Service to take immediate action on wildfire response. This includes new directives during times of PL3 and higher, including using non-fire employees to help with wildfire support and response. Also, increasing red card and other qualifications, ordering, purchasing, dispatching, and more. Basically, everyone will be available to fight fire...2025-05-2131 min

I See Dead Plants(S4:E18) Beech Leaf Destroyer: A Beech Leaf Disease OverviewIn this episode Ed interviews “Dr. Fear” herself, Dr. Carrie Fearer of Virginia Tech University. They discuss Beech leaf disease and what is known so far about this disease. Additional Resources https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/about/conservation/publications https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/delivering-mission/sustain/beech-leaf-disease-emerging-forest-threat-eastern-us https://extension.psu.edu/guide-to-beech-leaf-disease-for-the-public https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/64592 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/efp.12488 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/efp.12725 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37797062/ How to cite...2025-04-3047 min

Your Diet SucksIs Organic Food Better?Use code YDSAMPLE for a free snack pack from Skratch Labs!Support us on Patreon!Is organic food actually healthier—or just more expensive? This week on Your Diet Sucks, Zoë and Kylee break down the real science behind organic food, including what “organic” really means for produce, meat, and packaged snacks. We cover nutrition claims, pesticide exposure, antioxidant levels, and whether organic food impacts inflammation, gut health, or performance. We also dive into the environmental trade-offs of organic farming, the high cost of certification, and why that $19 strawberry feels morally superior. Plus: the truth behind...2025-04-301h 06

Stuff You Missed in History ClassThe Rise of Modern HydroponicsThe practice of growing plants in water rather than soil isn't new, though early examples are difficult to substantiate. In the 1930s, hydroponic plant culture made headlines, but the field also had conflict among researchers. Research: Bacon, Francis. “Sylva sylvarum; or, A natural history, in ten centuries. Whereunto is newly added the History natural and experimental of life and death, or of the prolongation of life.” London. 1670. https://archive.org/details/sylvasylvarumorn00baco/page/116/mode/2up Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Hanging Gardens of Babylon". Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Jan. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/place/Hanging-Gardens-of-Babylon Britannica, The Edito...2025-02-1741 min

The Functional Code PodcastAre GMO’s Killing Us? Organic vs Non-Organic, Influence on AllergensJoin Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy in this comprehensive episode of The Functional Code as they explore the highly debated topics of GMO versus non-GMO foods, and organic versus non-organic crops. Delving deep into the science, they discuss the impact on pain, performance, and longevity, while also shining a light on the roles of governing bodies like the USDA, FDA, and EPA. Learn about the health implications of GMOs, the benefits of organic farming, and the controversies around glyphosate and its potential risks, including the numerous lawsuits faced by Bayer. This episode aims to empower you with the knowledge...2025-02-121h 11

Come Rain or ShineBeekeeping Program at Institute of American Indian ArtsAccording to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, three fourths of the world's flowering plants and about 35 percent of the world's food crops depend on pollinators to reproduce. We interviewed Melanie Kirby and Davon Collins to learn more about the beekeping program at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Albuquerque, NM.Relevant Links:IAIA’s Beekeeping JourneyIf you’re enjoying this podcast, please consider rating us and/or leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Podcast Addict, or Podchaser Thanks!2025-02-0549 min

The Green Bottom LineAmerica's Climate Balance SheetThis white paper assesses the financial risks posed by climate change to the U.S. Federal Government. It examines multiple agencies, including the USDA, HUD, EPA, DOI, DOT, and HHS, analyzing climate-related impacts on their programs and infrastructure. The analysis uses various modeling techniques and data sources to project future costs associated with events such as extreme weather, wildfires, and sea-level rise. The paper also explores methods for incorporating climate benefits of Federal investments into cost-benefit analyses, using the social cost of greenhouse gases as a key metric. Finally, it highlights the need for proactive adaptation strategies to mitigate these...2025-01-3120 min

Come Rain or ShineCelebrating Milestones: 10 Years of Supporting ResilienceThis month we are celebrating major milestones and want to share those with you. The Climate Hub network just celebrated its 10 year anniversary. As part of that anniversary our partners recorded short stories about some of their favorite projects. We have compiled a selection of those for this episode to kick off the new year.Relevant links:USDA Climate Hubs: Stories from Our First 10 YearsUSDA Climate Hubs: Celebrating 10 Years!If you’re enjoying this podcast, please consider rating us and/or le...2025-01-0122 min

Come Rain or ShineScience And Practical Solutions To Support Ecological RestorationDr. Elise Gornish discusses her research on restoration and weed management strategies to minimize the effects of changing climatic conditions - especially warming temperatures and decreasing precipitation. Her work focuses on designing realistic restoration strategies and solutions that are both financially and logistically feasible.Relevant links:The Gornish LabIf you’re enjoying this podcast, please consider rating us and/or leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Podcast Addict, or Podchaser Thanks!Fo...2024-12-0446 min

Come Rain or ShineReforestation: The Trees Are Planted, Now What?This is the last episode in our reforestation pipeline series. The success of a reforestation effort largely depends on proper post-planting care and monitoring. We spoke with Dr. Camille Stevens-Rumann, who studies wildfire and post-fire recovery, to learn more about what needs to happen after a tree is planted in a reforestation effort.Relevant links:Marshall, L.A., Fornwalt, P.J., Stevens-Rumann, C.S., Rodman, K.C., Rhoades, C.C., Zimlinghaus, K., Chapman, T.B. and Schloegel, C.A., 2023. Seedling and growing environment measurements from...2024-11-0625 min

Field, Lab, EarthManaging Sorghum Aphid with Drs. Somashekhar Punnuri, Karen Harris-Shultz, Joseph Knoll, and Xinzhi Ni“Invasive sorghum aphid: A decade of research on deciphering plant resistance mechanisms and novel approaches in breeding for sorghum resistance to aphids” with Drs. Somashekhar Punnuri, Karen Harris-Shultz, Joseph Knoll, and Xinzhi Ni. Sorghum is an important crop in the United States, grown for grain, forage and bioenergy purposes. However, its production is facing several challenges due to abiotic and biotic factors, with aphids emerging as a significant pest in last decade. Once considered a minor pest, sorghum aphids have become a major threat to sorghum cultivation due to susceptible varieties and insufficient pest management strategies. In this...2024-10-3147 min

On Word for WildlifeL is for Law: LWCF Part 1Drilling into the details to explain the framework of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Sources:P.L. 116-152https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/advocacy/the-land-and-water-conservation-fund-lwcf/applying-for-lwcf-grants/ https://bhamnow.com/2018/02/17/154570/ - Alabama project https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/blag_ms_04_2019.htm - Mississippi projecthttps://www.blm.gov/visit/california-national-historic-trail-nobles-emigrant-segment - California Project https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/delivering-mission/sustain/forest-legacy-program-protects-western-maine-lands - Maine Project https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/policy/files/ConservationEasementHandbook.pdf https...2024-10-1124 min

Come Rain or ShineReforestation: Plant Here, Not ThereIn this episode we continue our discussion of the reforestation pipeline. Last month, we discussed how reforestation efforts are critical after high severity wildfires, like the ones we have been witnessing across the Southwest. Now we sit down with two researchers who specialize in modeling to learn more about the science of choosing the right spot on the landscape for the best chances of planted seedling survival.If you’re enjoying this podcast, please consider rating us and/or leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Podcast Addict, or Podchaser Thanks!2024-10-0250 min

Come Rain or ShineReforestation: The John T. Harrington Forestry Research CenterThis bonus episode is a re-release of our July 2023 episode highlighting the John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center in Mora, New Mexico, which aims to advance the understanding of restoration activities on forested areas in New Mexico. The Center also provides science-based solutions for private, tribal, state, and federal forest managers, who face the threat of catastrophic fires and the inability of forest ecosystems to naturally regenerate after fires. Related Links:John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center at MoraIf you’re...2024-09-2543 min

Come Rain or ShineReforestation: It All Starts With A SeedDr. Joshua Sloan and Rachael Foe discuss the process of conifer seed selection and harvest for reforestation efforts in the Southwest, from selecting the parent trees and scouting for good cone crops to climbing the trees and collecting cones. Did you know some forest stands only produce a viable seed crop once every decade? Learn how you could help scout for cones through a new app from the New Mexico Reforestation Center.Relevant links:Related podcast episode: After-Fire Reforestation: The John T...2024-09-0453 min

Come Rain or ShineExploring Nature-Based SolutionsNature-based solutions - what are they exactly? Is there a standard definition? And even though the term is new to us, are the practices themselves actually something new? In this episode we speak with Dr. Laura Norman, a Research Physical Scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey, to answer these questions and more.Relevant links:IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based SolutionsOpportunities to Accelerate Nature-Based Solutions (2022)Nature-Based Solutions Resource Guide 2.0 (2023)The...2024-08-0728 min

Herbarium of the BizarreMariposa LilySpecial thanks to Brooke for suggesting today’s episode topic, Mariposa Lilies. Also, “mariposa” and “lily” have ceased to sound like words to me. Music by James Milor from Pixabay Information provided by: https://smmtc.org/plantofthemonth/Mariposa_Lily.php https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calochortus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serpentine_soil Butterfly Mariposa Lily Phylogeography and population genetics reveal ring species patterns in a highly polymorphic California lily by Adriana I. Hernández, Jacob B. Landis, & Chelsea D. Specht (2022) [Abstract] https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14313 “Plant Guide...2024-07-2610 min

Come Rain or ShineBurping Cows! Measuring Methane Emissions from CattleAccording to 2022 statistics published by the US EPA, enteric fermentation (a digestive pathway that produces gasses in the gut) by cattle accounted for around 3% of total US greenhouse gas emissions when converted to carbon dioxide equivalents. We spoke with Dr. Glenn Duff, from New Mexico State University to learn more about the research he and his team are conducting to measure gas fluxes and emissions from cattle in pursuit of improving efficiency and lowering emissions from this sector.Relevant Links:Greenhouse Gas Inventory Data Explorer from the US EPA 2024-07-0323 min

Come Rain or ShineAdvancing Climate Services Across The Federal FamilyDr. Julian Reyes joins us to talk about climate services at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Julian shares how his work involves uplifting climate services across the entire federal family and finding synergies across federal agencies to maximize benefits to society. Note: at the time of this recording, Dr. Julian Reyes held the position of Assistant Director for Climate Services at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; he has since moved on to a new position with a different employer.Relevant Links:Climate Mapping for...2024-06-0624 min

Come Rain or ShineAgrivoltaics: Producing Food and Energy in the Same PlaceAgrivoltaics is the combination of agriculture and photovoltaics to create co-benefits across food, energy, and water systems. There is a lot of research being conducted around the benefits and best practices for implementation of agrivoltaics. We spoke with two experts, Dr. Greg Barron-Gafford from the University of Arizona, and Dr. Brandon Bestelmeyer, research leader at the Jornada Experimental Range, to learn more about this fairly new technology.Relevant links: Agrisolar ClearinghouseUniversity of Arizona Biosphere 2 - AgrivoltaicsJornada Experimental Range 2024-05-0137 min

Field, Lab, EarthSoil-Landscape Rehabilitation with Dr. Sharon Schneider“Key soil properties and their relationships with crop yields as affected by soil-landscape rehabilitation” with Dr. Sharon Schneider. Soil erosion is one of the major issues in agriculture that causes loss of the topsoil layer, reducing soil health and crop productivity. There are several ways to check soil erosion and its impacts on crop and soil health. One of the potential strategies to reduce the effect of past soil erosion is to reverse the soil erosion process by moving soil from where it was deposited by erosion to where soil was lost by erosion. In this episode, Dr...2024-04-1935 min

Come Rain or ShineSolutions for Sustaining Environmental FlowsFlows in the Rio Chama, a tributary of the Rio Grande in northern New Mexico,have dwindled from drought and rising temperatures as well as diversion for agricultural irrigation. These diminished flows threaten groundwater resources and habitat for endangered plants and animals. Paul Tashjian, Director of Freshwater Conservation with Audubon Southwest, tells us about solutions that have been implemented to alleviate pressures on the Rio Chama and other waterways, bringing back flows for the natural habitat.Relevant Links:Five-Year Lease of Water Rights for Environmental Flows Along the Rio Chama 2024-04-0326 min

Come Rain or ShineClimate Change, Coastlines, and AquacultureHow is climate change affecting our coasts and ocean? What about aquaculture? Halley Froehlich, an expert in climate change impacts to coasts and oceans, with a strong focus on aquaculture, joins us to discuss this important topic as we wrap up our series highlighting Key Messages in the Southwest Chapter of the 5th National Climate Assessment.Relevant links:Read the 5th National Climate Assessment (NCA5)Webinars and podcasts on the NCA5NCA5 Atlas 2024-03-0636 min

Come Rain or ShineFifth National Climate Assessment, Southwest Chapter: Health, Water, Agriculture, and WildfireWe continue our discussion of the Southwest Chapter of the 5th National Climate Assessment (NCA5). Each Chapter of NCA5 is organized around Key Messages. This month we interviewed the lead authors of four Key Messages in the Southwest Chapter, covering human health, water, agriculture, and wildfire. Each author shares what they would like people to know and what they found hopeful or encouraging within their Key Message topic.Relevant links:Read the 5th National Climate Assessment (NCA5)Webinars and podcasts on the NCA5NCA5...2024-02-0733 min

Come Rain or ShineInside the Fifth National Climate Assessment, Southwest ChapterDrs. Emile Elias and Dave White discuss the Southwest chapter of the 5th National Climate Assessment (NCA5). They share what it was like to be lead authors of the Southwest chapter, what’s new in this assessment, how it’s being shared, some major findings, and other highlights. We wrap up this episode with what each of them found encouraging or hopeful from the assessment.Relevant links:Read the 5th National Climate Assessment (NCA5)Webinars and podcasts on the NCA5NC...2024-01-0351 min

The Anxiety Encyclopedia50. W is for WildfiresIf you feel like the whole world is on fire, that might be because a lot of it literally is! Sources: https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/what-is-prescribed-fire/ https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/where-do-wildfires-occur/ https://www.nps.gov/articles/wildfire-causes-and-evaluation. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/prescribed-fire https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/Rx-Fire-Strategy.pdf https://www.nps.gov/articles/wildfire-causes-and-evaluation.htm https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/fire-prevention-education-mitigation/wildfire-investigation https://www.doi.gov/wildlandfire/suppression https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fire/wildland-firefighting-tactics.htm https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/IF10244.pdf https://www...2023-12-191h 02

Come Rain or ShineHarvesting Hope: Tackling Food Waste, Hunger, and Climate ChangeWe speak with the directors of two non-profit organizations who are turning problems into solutions by getting nutritious food that would normally go to waste back into our food system and into the hands of those who can use it - reducing waste, methane emissions, and fighting food insecurity all at the same time. Cover Image credit: USDA Photo by Lance CheungRelevant links: Association of Gleaning OrganizationsFalling FruitNational Gleaning ProjectBill E...2023-12-0646 min

Field, Lab, EarthPhosphorus Conservation Practice Trade-offs with Drs. Peter Kleinman and Deanna Osmond“Addressing conservation practice limitations and trade-offs for reducing phosphorus loss from agricultural fields” with Dr. Pete Kleinman, Research Leader, USDA, and Dr. Deanna Osmond, Professor, North Carolina State University. Conservation practices are important techniques that help us move towards a more sustainable planet. But when these tools are applied without proper testing and a holistic point of view, they can sometimes cause unintended consequences or tradeoffs that affect the surrounding environment. This episode, Pete and Deanna discuss common tradeoffs that can impact tools that manage Phosphorus and how to avoid these potential pitfalls. Tune in to l...2023-11-1751 min

Come Rain or ShineIndigenous Agriculture and Climate ResilienceContinuing with our agriculture theme, this month we are joined by Dr. Michael Kotutwa Johnson (Hopi Tribe of Arizona) who discusses Indigenous agricultural knowledge, traditional farming, Indigenous participation in conservation programs, climate change, and more. USDA Photo by Lance Cheung.Relevant links:Johnson, M.K., Rowe, M. , Lien, A.M.& Hoffman-Lopez, L. 2021. Enhancing Integration of Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge into National Resource Conservation Service Cost-Share Initiatives. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. Online. https://www.jswconline.org/content/76/6/487 2023-11-0133 min