IS380Rind
After pic (2014) of CA Drought - NASA Earth Observatory
Two questions came to mind after comparing the before and after pictures of the California drought. The first was: Who is responsible? The second question was: How can we respond to this problem no matter who is at fault?
California is no stranger to droughts, but the state has been over-accommodating their own needs for water to keep our main state export businesses alive. The main culprits of drainage of the two man-made lakes is the farming industry, specifically the cattle and nut crops which are taking enormous water reserves to stay alive. Alfalfa (a superfood for cattle) is the biggest water drain, and nuts come second. As with many environmental problems, we tend to shoot, then point, then think, since economic pressure force us into immediate solutions. The water we have stored up (the reservoirs, aquifers) are being depleted at a rapid clip as if they will magically renew. Food prices are bound to soar and/or food sources will have to come from other states sinking California further into debt. The sociological gains could be increased education and awareness of the problem, which is necessary to galvanize people into actively participating in the solution. Hopefully more Americans will begin producing some of their own food and becoming more self-reliant.
These pics make me want to research what causes drought trends, what groups of people are on the forefront of innovation and adaptation to such problems, and how we can support them and participate.
After pic (2014) of CA Drought - NASA Earth Observatory
Two questions came to mind after comparing the before and after pictures of the California drought. The first was: Who is responsible? The second question was: How can we respond to this problem no matter who is at fault?
California is no stranger to droughts, but the state has been over-accommodating their own needs for water to keep our main state export businesses alive. The main culprits of drainage of the two man-made lakes is the farming industry, specifically the cattle and nut crops which are taking enormous water reserves to stay alive. Alfalfa (a superfood for cattle) is the biggest water drain, and nuts come second. As with many environmental problems, we tend to shoot, then point, then think, since economic pressure force us into immediate solutions. The water we have stored up (the reservoirs, aquifers) are being depleted at a rapid clip as if they will magically renew. Food prices are bound to soar and/or food sources will have to come from other states sinking California further into debt. The sociological gains could be increased education and awareness of the problem, which is necessary to galvanize people into actively participating in the solution. Hopefully more Americans will begin producing some of their own food and becoming more self-reliant.
These pics make me want to research what causes drought trends, what groups of people are on the forefront of innovation and adaptation to such problems, and how we can support them and participate.