The Science of NM’s Extreme Winds, Wildfire Emergency & Coping with Climate Anxiety

This week on New Mexico in Focus, the Line Opinion Panel takes on the issue of abortion rights, and how overturning Roe V. Wade could impact our state. Will restrictive laws in other states force more people to New Mexico for procedures? The Panel will answer that question while considering the impact this debate could have on midterm elections. Gene and the Line also talk wildfires as the largest fire in the country burns in northern New Mexico. Panelists share their thoughts on a federal push to expand benefits for wildland firefighters, and the wider discussion surrounding prescribed burns. And, Virgin Galactic is announcing a delay in its plans to begin commercial space flights. Will the delay have a tangible impact at the taxpayer-funded Spaceport America? 

Environment Reporter Laura Paskus sits down with a meteorologist from the National Weather Service to ask why this spring has seemed even windier than usual in New Mexico, and the impact that’s having on fire season. Laura also addresses the stresses many of us are feeling as we consider the damage already done in the earliest start to fire season we’ve seen. Professor and author Sarah Jaquette Ray explains how individuals can find some relief from climate anxiety. And producer Lou DiVizio catches up with New Mexico’s Secretary of Childhood Education and Care to talk about new childcare expansions now available for tens of thousands of New Mexican families. 

Hosts: 
Kevin McDonald 
Lou DiVizio 

The Line opinion panel: 
Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current-Argus 
Tom Garrity, Garrity Group public relations 
Cathryn McGill, founder, director, NM Black Leadership Council 

Segments: 
Understanding Extreme Winds 
Correspondent: Laura Paskus 
Guest: Scott Overpeck, warning coordination meteorologist, National Weather Service 

New Mexico Childcare Expansions 
Correspondent: Lou DiVizio 
Guest: Elizabeth Groginsky, NM Secretary of Early Childhood Education and Care 

Managing Climate Anxiety 
Correspondent: Laura Paskus 
Guest: Sarah Jaquette Ray, professor, author of “A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety”