PROFILE
FROM Alan Robock
The Perils and Promise of Geoengineering The west and southwest U.S. are about to face "unprecedented drought conditions," according to a new study published in the journal Science Advances. The authors say the decades-long droughts known as “mega droughts” are probably on the way by mid-century. Pronouncements like these are making geoengineering sound more palatable. Once written off as wacky science fiction, geoengineering is now being taken seriously. This week, a panel at the National Academy of Sciences recommended proceeding with research on technologies that could suck carbon dioxide out of the air and reflect back sunlight. We hear from two scientists about the possible risks and rewards of this technology.
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Rethinking homes in fire-prone areas Hundreds of residents of Malibu lost their homes during the Woolsey Fire last month. Now the city is starting to rebuild. But there are some big questions to consider. Should houses be permitted in the most fire-prone areas? Should homes be rebuilt with more fire-resistant materials?
Stock market freaks out after Chinese tech executive is arrested We find out why Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou is being held in Canada at the request of the U.S., and how that fits it with the US-China trade dispute. And the stock market has been taking a dive, so that does point toward a recession?
Investigation into Les Moonves uncovers more cases of alleged sexual misconduct The board of CBS hired two law firms to investigate the sexual misconduct allegations against former CEO Les Moonves. The draft report was leaked. It says Moonves repeatedly lied to investigators, and destroyed evidence to save his reputation and severance.