气候变化正在使西山区和西南山区的干旱变得更长、更严重,危及水、粮食和健康。 Climate change is making droughts in the Mountain West and Southwest longer and more severe, threatening water, food, and health.

一项新的研究发现,气温上升使西山区和西南山区的干旱变得更加严重和长期,现在干旱要持续四个多月才能结束,平均持续一年以上。 A new study finds rising temperatures are making droughts in the Mountain West and Southwest more severe and longer-lasting, with droughts now taking up to four months longer to end and lasting over a year on average. 研究人员将气候变化的趋势与温室气体排放联系起来,温室气体排放增加蒸发和减少土壤湿度。 Researchers link the trend to climate change from greenhouse gas emissions, which increase evaporation and reduce soil moisture. 漫长的干燥条件是河流萎缩、伤害农田、增加野火风险。 The extended dry conditions are shrinking rivers, harming farmland, and boosting wildfire risks. 科学家警告说,水供应、农业和公共卫生面临更大的危险,特别是由于热旱现在持续到夜间。 Scientists warn of heightened dangers to water supplies, agriculture, and public health, especially as hot droughts now persist through the night. 由一个由公共媒体台站组成的网络 -- -- 山区西部新闻社 -- -- 进行的研究突出表明,迫切需要改进水的保护和适应战略。 The research, conducted by the Mountain West News Bureau, a network of public media stations, highlights the urgent need for improved water conservation and adaptation strategies.