Subscribe now

Environment

US megadrought has led to more air pollution from power plants

The ongoing drought in the western US depleted reservoirs and reduced hydropower generation. Fossil fuel power plants filled the gap but that has led to increased air pollution

By James Dinneen

3 February 2023

Three smokestacks from a coal-burning power plant send up plumes of white smoke into a blue sky

Power plants that burn coal and other fossil fuels generate more pollutants during drought conditions

Shutterstock/James Marvin Phelps

Water levels at reservoirs in the western US have hit record lows, diminishing the amount of energy generated at dams. Fossil fuel power plants are filling the gap – leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution during the region’s megadrought.

On average, about 26 per cent of the electricity for the western US comes from hydropower and 50 per cent comes from fossil fuel plants burning gas, coal or oil. The rest…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account