Climate-action advocates got a boost when New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, citing the storm’s devastation, endorsed President Barack Obama for re-election, saying he was the best candidate to address climate change.

Recent news about the crucial grain revealed diverse facets of the climate issue: A Texas announcement evoked possible water wars ahead. Reseachers, meanwhile, spotlighted rice’s simultaneous contribution and vulnerability to climate change.

As the state climatologist warned again that the two-year-old dry spell could go on for “five to ten years,” cities have grappled with questions of how to balance plans for new water supplies with conservation appeals.