Todd Sanford

Former climate scientist, Climate & Energy Program

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Todd Sanford is a climate scientist with expertise in the atmospheric chemistry and physics of the climate system. He holds a PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Colorado.

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Todd's Latest Posts

Colors of Wildfire Risk: Do Dead Trees Increase the Threat?

August 28, 2013 2:28 PM EDT

There are many reasons to enjoy living in the West — the large number of sunny days each year and low humidity immediately spring to mind. Driving through the high country is another reason, as I did last week from the Front Range of Colorado to Aspen.  Among the highlights (depending on the route you take) is passing through Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the United States at 10,152 feet. There’s also the drive over Independence Pass, which definitely qualifies as white-knuckle driving with no guardrails for drop-offs that seem to go on forever. Another highlight was always the drop into Summit County (home of Breckenridge and other ski resorts) coming down from the Continental Divide after passing through the Eisenhower Tunnel.

However, what was a stunning vista in years past is now marred by dead trees virtually everywhere you look.  Read more >

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A Look Toward Dangerous Summer Air with Asthma Awareness Month

May 21, 2013 8:19 AM EDT

Of my many childhood memories, most of which can be looked back at with a smile and involved sports in some way, one that stands out with a great deal of clarity was my first asthma attack. Read more >

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Wildfire Season Has Arrived in the West

May 3, 2013 2:54 PM EDT

While some locations in the West, such as Boulder CO, received a foot of snow this past Wednesday others are now in the grips of conditions ripe for wildfire and indeed facing outbreaks already.  California is currently bearing the brunt of early-season activity with wildfires in areas in the northern part of the state and around Los Angeles. Read more >

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Impacts After the Flood: As Midwest Waters Recede, Health Threats Remain

April 30, 2013 9:48 AM EDT

It’s seems the Midwest can’t catch a break on the weather. Widespread drought has hit the region hard and now areas along the Mississippi and farther east have seen heavy rain and flooding, bringing back unwanted memories of the historic floods just two years ago. Chicago had its wettest April on record and Grand Rapids was transformed into an aquarium.  Read more >

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Another Record-Breaking Year for Climate Change

January 3, 2013 3:14 PM EDT

It’s virtually certain that 2012 will be the warmest year on record for the continental United States. When scientists affirm these results, they’ll no doubt make headlines. But we should put that record in perspective. The continental U.S. covers just 2 percent of the Earth’s surface. Globally, we’re set to have another very hot year, likely in the top 10 according to the World Meteorological Organization. Read more >

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