It's All About Water
Since our last check-in on the Colorado River’s water shortage, our water forecast has only worsened. Meanwhile, the political forecast for federal climate action remains as bleak as ever. As we face a worsening water shortage, and as we contend with the apparent shortage in political will to properly address climate change, let’s examine why this pair of shortages is such a huge problem for us.
Just last month, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation officially declared a Tier One Shortage for both of the Colorado River’s major reservoirs. Last week, Reclamation announced a revised forecast that’s even more grim.
How bad is it along the Colorado River, and how much worse might it get if we don’t get our act together soon?
With “Infrastructure Week” becoming more of an “Infrastructure Year”, we continue to await Congress’ next moves on a pair of bills that may result in lasting change and realignment for America’s economy. But in the last few days, we’ve seen some sobering reminders of how America and our global climate simply don’t have much time to wait.
Believe it or not, climate change doesn’t wait for updates on legislation.
Wildfires and water shortages have become part of the tragic reality of life in the American West. New York City isn’t used to smelling wildfire smoke, so this year’s wildfire season is already proving to be quite historically severe. Once again, we must ask – When will we finally treat climate change like the existential crisis that it truly is?
Also, we’re returning closer to home to understand why the ill-fated attempt to expand the Las Vegas Metro Area into Lincoln County remains relevant in light of the current controversies over water resources and Southwestern suburban sprawl.
