Manola Secaira
Environment Reporter
Manola Secaira is CapRadio’s environment and climate change reporter. Before that, she worked for Crosscut in Seattle as an Indigenous Affairs reporter.
Climate change whiplash could mean more flooding, water-management challenges in California
January 28, 2022
Last year, California saw everything from intense drought to torrential rain. Researchers and water agencies say that the future of the state’s drought depends on adapting to these shifts.
What is a healthy forest in California? These scientists are experimenting west of Lake Tahoe.
January 19, 2022
In Blodgett Forest, researchers grapple with the state’s forest-management history while investigating what it means to have a healthy one.
How a recent proposal to slash solar incentives has its supporters and California utilities butting heads
January 10, 2022
While utilities claim the proposed changes would make solar more accessible, solar consumers and executives worry it would kill the market altogether.
Rethinking the holidays: Sacramento urban farmers look beyond ‘food as charity’
November 23, 2021
In the world of food banks, efforts in the colder months double up to accommodate food drives during the holidays. But those holidays aren’t the main focus for all Sacramentans.
After long wait, Sacramento’s new Museum of Science and Curiosity opens
November 12, 2021
Inside, visitors can expect exhibitions on nature and interplanetary travel alongside displays that investigate solutions for California’s carbon emissions and seasons of drought.
Removing dangerous wildfire fuels is hard, expensive work. Here’s how one California tribe is making it happen.
November 3, 2021
Reducing the excess of flammable materials in forests has become the focus for many communities throughout California seeking protection from future wildfires, but issues with funding and staffing remain.
Sacramento went from record drought to record rain. Climate change may make that more common.
October 25, 2021
Last weekend’s rainfall was record breaking, but experts say that heavy precipitation alongside dry, hot summers is likely due to climate change.
California just declared a drought emergency. What does that mean and how will it affect your life?
October 20, 2021
The declaration comes after a summer of record-high temperatures alongside plummeting water levels in reservoirs. Experts say it’s time to get prepared.
Sacramentans of color are most interested in homegrown food but have few resources. These local gardeners want to change things.
October 5, 2021
Groups such as Planting Justice and Three Sisters Gardens are expanding resources and delivering fresh, local food and produce to communities of color.
Sacramento County’s long road to a climate action plan isn’t over yet
October 1, 2021
After years of work, the county’s climate action plan is nearing final approval — but local environmental groups worry that it doesn’t push for net-zero carbon emissions soon enough.