Colorado’s Changing Climate and Watershed

MDCRES- Colorado’s changing climate and watershed with Becky Bolinger
Get the latest update on how our state is faring in the face of climate change from Dr. Becky Bolinger, the Assistant State Climatologist. The state is experiencing more extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods, and wildfires. These changes are having a significant impact on the state's water resources.
The state's snowpack is declining, and the snowmelt season is starting earlier and ending later. This is reducing the amount of water available for irrigation, drinking, and other uses.
The state is also experiencing more extreme temperatures, which are increasing evaporation and water demand. This is further reducing the amount of water available for use.
The state is taking steps to adapt to climate change, such as investing in water conservation and efficiency measures. However, more needs to be done to ensure that Colorado has a reliable water supply in the future.
Here are some of the ways that Colorado is adapting to climate change:
- Investing in water conservation and efficiency measures
- Developing new water sources, such as desalination and water recycling
- Managing water resources more effectively
- Preparing for more extreme weather events
The state is also working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are causing climate change. This includes measures such as investing in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and reducing transportation emissions.
Climate change is a serious challenge, but Colorado is taking steps to adapt and build a more resilient future.
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER:
Becky Bolinger is Colorado’s Assistant State Climatologist. In that role, she monitors Colorado's climate, communicates climate information to the public, gives historical perspective to weather events, and responds to media and data requests.
Ms. Bolinger has led many of the Colorado Climate Center’s drought efforts, representing the CCC at stakeholder meetings.
Ms. Bolinger first came to CSU in 2009 as a graduate student in the Department of Atmospheric Science, where she studied the hydroclimate of the western U.S., particularly the Upper Colorado River Basin. During her time as a graduate student, she also worked closely with the CCC on drought assessment and early warning.
Ms. Bolinger received her Ph.D. from CSU in 2014. After a postdoctoral fellowship at the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Michigan, she returned to the CCC in October 2016 as a climatologist and drought specialist.
The program was hosted by Greg Winchell, MDCRES Program Manager. A question and answer session followed the presentation.
TIMELINE:
0:00 Presentation - Becky Bolinger
35:36 Q&A
This program was organized by the Metro Denver chapter of the Colorado Renewable Energy Society and was recorded at their October 19, 2023, meeting. Contact us at [e-mail] or visit us online at www.cres-energy.org/.
Video production by Brian Beinlich, brianbeinlich.com.
Intro/outro music: “Glimpsing Infinity” by Asher Fulero via the RUclips Audio Library.
Intro/outro video by The RDNE Stock project from Pexels. Source: www.pexels.com/video/drone-fo...
ABOUT CRES:
For more than 25 years, the Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) and its local chapters have provided education, policy advocacy, and community engagement to accelerate Colorado toward a 100% renewable energy future. CRES is a statewide, non-partisan, non-profit, 501(c)3 membership organization that drives environmental, social, and economic benefits for our communities by promoting all forms of renewable energy, energy efficiency, storage, high-performance buildings, and other low- or zero-carbon solutions.
CRES features several local monthly speaker series throughout the state, provides speakers, experts, and workshops, and weighs in on state energy policy.
Learn more about CRES, membership, and how you can sign up to become a speaker or volunteer by visiting our website at cres-energy.org.

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Very interesting data and excellent Q&A, glad that was not edited out. Appreciate the Q about 'cloud seeding' and Dr. Bollinger's answer at ruclips.net/video/TOc2GG7Mcxc/видео.htmlsi=KnQNv8wpaZY4_yOZ&t=3140
To paraphrase, cloud seeding works only inside a small window of parameters and is no silver bullet.