State climatologist to discuss climate change

April 29th, 2019

Dave DuBois, the State Climatologist for New Mexico, will talk about climate change in New Mexico and especially its relation to agriculture at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces on May 9.

The presentation is part of the Museum’s monthly Culture Series. It begins at 7 p.m. in the Museum’s theater and admission is free.

Dr. Dubois, also Director of the New Mexico Climate Center and Associate College Professor at New Mexico State University, will give an update on the environmental indicators of climate change in the state.

Dr. DuBois says we have been seeing an increase in temperature of about 0.7°F per decade over the past 50 years across most of New Mexico. He will review the latest on climate change indicators across the state as of 2019 that include temperatures, drought, rainfall, extreme precipitation, winds, wildfires, growing season, and air quality. He will also look toward the future and discuss the latest climate scenarios for various locations in New Mexico and what that might look like to following generations with respect to agriculture.

Dr. DuBois provides climate information and education to policy makers, the agricultural community, industry, educators, and the public. In addition, he also gives numerous talks and holds workshops every year on topics covering climate, drought, air quality, and climate change. Dr. DuBois teaches and trains students in the Plant and Environmental Sciences Department at New Mexico State University and maintains an active research program in air quality and climate. He is also the New Mexico Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow state coordinator and looking for more volunteers to join. Although he is a native New Mexican, he grew up on a farm in rural southern New Jersey and collected weather data as a child. Dr. DuBois holds physics degrees from Rutgers and NMSU, and a doctorate in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Nevada Reno.

About the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum:

The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum is located at 4100 Dripping Springs Road in Las Cruces. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, $3 for children ages 4 to 17, and $2 for active U.S. military members and veterans. Children 3 and under, and members of the Museum Friends receive free admission. The Museum is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.

For more information:

(575) 522-4100

www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org