By Paul Rogers, The Mercury News
Highlights
Nine Western US states have been experiencing an extended mass drought, called a “megadrought.”
- Scientists studied over 30,000 tree rings to determine the amount of rainfall and soil moisture over the centuries. The West’s last extended drought period was between 1576 and 1603 and the 20th century was the wettest century though this record
- Though the megadrought is due to natural events, rising temperatures due to climate change are making drought conditions worse
- Though there are short periods of decent rain and snowpack, they are anomalies within the bigger drought
- Bill Patzert, a retired oceanographer and research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory says the best way to measure whether a drought is over in the West is to look at the level of Lake Mead, which is currently less than half full
- California should push more water conservation and efficiency measures that were practiced during its 5-year drought as these dry conditions will come back
- Depletion of groundwater, dry soils, and dying trees are all symptoms of the large drought
- Without mitigating climate change, the West will experience more severe droughts
The climate crisis is here now, worse than anticipated, and accelerating, threatening all life. California must step up its climate leadership to avoid increasingly dire consequences and inspire climate action worldwide. Endorse the Climate-Safe California Platform to enact policies that rapidly address the climate crisis.
Nina Turner
Energy Programs and Communications CoordinatorJanina is a graduate of the Energy Management and Design program at Sonoma State University with experience in non-profits that specialize in sustainability and volunteerism.
