Science Elevated: The Colorado River and Changing Climate

Brad Udall, Senior Water and Climate Research Scientist, Colorado Water Institute, Colorado State University. Water is life for mountain communities. How do the changes in climate impact the future of the Valley? Climate scientists agree that the Colorado River Basin is already much warmer and will continue to get warmer – over 1°C since the mid 20th century and potentially 2°C or more by mid-century – resulting in reduced stream flows and increased system losses. Udall will explain what this means for the ecosystem and all those dependent who live and recreate in this area.