The Colorado River – and the people that rely on it – are in a state of crisis. Climate change and overuse are taking a significant toll. Seven states must compromise and reach a solution to prevent the river from collapsing.
In late 2023, tensions were running high between the major players in the water world as they convened at the annual Colorado River co ... Show More
Aug 19
City Summer, Country Summer
Growing up, Kiese Laymon thought of himself as a city kid. But he spent his childhood with a foot in two worlds: his mom’s house in the capital city of Jackson, Mississippi and his grandma’s house in a rural country town. It wasn’t until Kiese left Mississippi that he came to und ... Show More
31m 55s
May 2023
Behind the historic deal to save the Colorado River
In the western US a landmark deal to protect one of the country's most important waterways has finally been reached. The Colorado River serves more than 40 million Americans across multiple states, but it’s drying up at an alarming rate. Drought, overuse, and climate change are l ... Show More
56m 26s
Jan 2023
7 States, 1 River and an Agonizing Choice
<p>In the United States, 40 million people in seven states depend on water provided by the Colorado River.</p><p>After 20 years of drought, the situation is dire and the river is at risk of becoming a “deadpool,” a condition in which there is not enough water to pass through the ... Show More
23m 45s
Feb 2023
‘Dead pool’, drought and a drying Colorado River
The Colorado River – the lifeblood of the American southwest – is drying up. The river’s basin supplies water to 40 million Americans across seven states, plus two states in Mexico. It’s partly because of climate change, a major drought, and because of century-old rules that gove ... Show More
24m 19s
Jun 2021
Listen Again: Our Relationship With Water
We need water to live. But with rising seas and so many lacking clean water — water is in crisis and so are we. This hour, TED speakers explore ideas around restoring our relationship with water. Guests on the show include legal scholar Kelsey Leonard, artist LaToya Ruby Frazier, ... Show More
49m 26s
Oct 2025
Solve me a river
This week on Unexplainable or Not, Sally Helm, the newest member of our team, tries to figure out what's killing mussels, why rivers suddenly change course, and what the longest river in the world is. Guests: Douglas Edmonds, professor at Indiana University; Neel Dhanesha, sc ... Show More
37m 18s