Insights into the Thirst of the Southwest

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Colorado River as it meanders south towards the Grand Canyon, taken near to Horse Shoe Bend AZ. Source: herdiephoto, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Insights from a New Comprehensive Water Accounting Study

The Colorado River, a lifeline for over 40 million people and over two million hectares of cropland, barely trickles into the Gulf of California’s shores. The river has reached a critical juncture due to decades of overuse and climate challenges.

A new study published in Nature provides a comprehensive water budget, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of water consumption and offering a roadmap toward sustainable management. The river’s dwindling flows underscore a pressing need for strategic interventions to ensure its survival and continued support for millions of people and vast agricultural lands.

The Heart of the Matter

The multi-year study conducted between 2000 and 2019, provides a granular analysis of water usage patterns, pinpointing agriculture as the dominant consumer. The findings indicate that irrigated agriculture accounts for a staggering 74% of direct human water use, with cattle feed crops such as alfalfa and grass as significant water guzzlers, accounting for 46% of direct water consumption.

Consumptive

Water consumed by each sector in the Colorado River Basin and sub-basins (including exports), based on 2000–2019 averages from the study New water accounting reveals why the Colorado River no longer reaches the sea (Fig. 4).

The Colorado River’s Dilemma

The Colorado River’s plight tells a tale of natural variability alongside a stark reflection of human choices and their impacts on natural resources. The study’s revelations about the scale of agricultural water use, especially for cattle feed, invite a critical reassessment of water allocation priorities and the sustainability of current agricultural practices.

Navigating the Waters Ahead

Addressing the Colorado River’s challenges requires a multifaceted approach, combining policy reforms, technological innovations, and shifts in agricultural practices. The study advocates for a balanced water budget and the adoption of water-efficient technologies and crops.

With cattle feed crops utilizing a considerable portion of the river’s water, the study suggests reevaluating crop choices and water use efficiency. Implementing more sustainable practices, including alternative cropping patterns and enhanced irrigation techniques, could substantially reduce water stress. Moreover, it underscores the importance of collaborative water management strategies involving all stakeholders to ensure equitable and sustainable use.

Final Thoughts

The Colorado River’s diminishing flows serve as a wake-up call to address the unsustainable patterns of water consumption that threaten this critical water source. The comprehensive study lays the groundwork for informed decision-making, urging immediate action to safeguard the river’s future. Through collective efforts and sustainable practices, there is hope for restoring the balance and ensuring the Colorado River continues to sustain the Southwest for future generations.

Source: Richter, B.D., Lamsal, G., Marston, L. et al. New water accounting reveals why the Colorado River no longer reaches the sea. Commun Earth Environ 5, 134 (2024).

    The Real Cost of Fossil Fuels on Our Health

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    Pump-jack
    Pump-jack mining crude oil with the sunset. Photo by Zbynek Burival on Unsplash.

    Fossil-Fuel Pollution and Its Dire Impact on Global Health

    Let’s talk about how burning fossil fuels, like coal, oil, and gas, isn’t just bad for the planet—they are harmful to our health too, particularly through the production of petrochemicals that are foundational to many industrial and everyday products. When we talk about climate change, we’re also talking about something that directly touches our lives, through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and even the products we use every day. Drawing directly from the insights from the New England Journal of Medicine‘s review article, “Health Effects of Fossil Fuel–Derived Endocrine Disruptors” by Dr. Tracey J. Woodruff, it’s evident that the adverse health impacts of fossil-fuel pollution include harmful health implications, including cancer.

    Global Impact of Pollution on Health

    Did you know that pollution from chemicals is a top reason people are dying prematurely, especially in poorer countries? Most of these deaths come from places that can least afford to deal with these problems. Pollution disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, with over 90% of pollution-related deaths occurring in these regions. Experts think over 1.8 million people die each year because of this pollution, and that number might even be too low since we don’t know the full effects of all the chemicals due to the lack of comprehensive studies.

    Growing Concern of Petrochemical-Related Illnesses

    A big chunk of this problem comes from fossil fuels. When we dig them up and use them, they release a bunch of nasty chemicals. Many of these chemicals interfere with the endocrine system, acting as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Some of these chemicals mess with our hormones, leading to all sorts of health issues, from cancer to problems having babies. It’s a big deal because these chemicals are in so many things around us—from the plastic in toys and bottles to the makeup we might wear to pesticides on our fruits and vegetables.

    Over the last seventy years or so, as we’ve used more fossil fuels and made more stuff from petrochemicals, we’ve seen more people getting sick with long-term illnesses. And it’s not just happening in one place but all over the world. This trend underscores the critical need for awareness and action to mitigate the health risks associated with petrochemical exposure.

    Cancer and Petrochemical Exposure

    Cancer is a big focus here. It’s heartbreaking how common it has become, and part of the blame lies with the chemicals that come from using fossil fuels. Substances like benzene, found in crude oil and gasoline, and formaldehyde, a byproduct of natural gas combustion, have been classified as carcinogens with strong links to leukemia and nasopharyngeal cancer, respectively. These and other chemicals, pervasive in our environment and daily lives, are not passive occupants. They sneak into our bodies and mess with the way our cells work, leading to diseases like cancer. You might not even know you’re being exposed to them until it’s too late.

    Pervasive Problem of Plastics

    Moreover, the production and widespread use of plastics, a hallmark of petrochemical derivatives, contribute to the dispersion of these harmful substances into the environment, food chains, and ultimately, our bodies. Phthalates and bisphenols, used to make plastics softer and more durable, have been under scrutiny for their estrogen-like effects, which can potentially lead to breast and other hormone-related cancers.

    Taking Action Against Petrochemical Pollution

    So, what can we do? For starters, we need to be mindful of our exposure to these chemicals. But that’s not enough. We need big changes, like laws and policies, to make our environment cleaner and safer for everyone. And we’ve got to think about the future and shift towards sustainable and renewable energy sources.

    To wrap it up, the damage from fossil fuels to our health is huge, and it’s something we can’t ignore. It’s time for all of us to pay attention, push for change, and take steps toward a world where we’re not risking our health just by living in it. Together, we can fight for a healthier, cleaner future.

    Exploring the Intersection of Real Estate and Climate Change

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    House
    House in St. George, Maine. Photo by Aubrey Odom on Unsplash.

    Insights from South by Southwest

    The conversation around climate change and real estate is more relevant than ever before, as highlighted in the recent panel hosted by Realtor.com at South by Southwest, titled “Climate Future Day”. Moderated by Kendall Bonner, the panel featured a diverse group of experts: Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, Matthew Eby, CEO and Founder of First Street Foundation, and Professor Jay Banner from the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin. Their discussion offered an exploration of how climate change is reshaping the landscape of home ownership and real estate investments.

    Recent studies have identified a shifting paradigm in home search behavior, driven by the rapidly changing climate. This shift necessitates a new approach to thinking about real estate, one that incorporates climate risks into decision-making processes. The panelists delved into the ramifications of climate change and natural disasters, navigating the complexities of today’s real estate market, and envisioning a sustainable, resilient future.

    Key Takeaways from the Panel

    • The Impact of Climate Change on Real Estate: Climate science predictions, based on the laws of physics, forecast more intense rain events, prolonged droughts, and more powerful hurricanes. These changes are consistent with recent record-setting weather events and are expected to impact almost every major sector of society, including real estate. 
       
    • Data-Driven Insights into Climate Risks: First Street Foundation leverages data to translate climate change projections into changing weather patterns, offering insights at a property level. This enables homeowners and buyers to understand exposure and consequence of event happening. It helps mitigate risks associated with flooding, wildfires, hurricane winds, and more. 
       
    • The Role of Real Estate Platforms: Realtor.com integrates First Street Foundation’s data directly into their platform, allowing consumers to make informed decisions based on climate risks. This approach highlights the necessity of access to accurate information when considering home purchases or sales. 
       
    • Adapting to Climate Risks: The panel emphasized the importance of homeowners taking proactive steps to mitigate climate risks. From upgrading infrastructure to adopting sustainable practices, there are numerous ways individuals can contribute to a more resilient future. 
       
    • Future Directions: The discussion also touched upon the need for continued research and innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change in the real estate sector. Collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and industry professionals is crucial to developing strategies that ensure the long-term viability of our communities. 
       

    The Path Forward

    We are heartened to see the critical issue of climate change being discussed in the context of real estate at platforms like South by Southwest. It’s imperative that we not only understand and adapt to these risks but also strive for more accountability, especially from fossil fuel companies, in mitigating the damages and contributing to a sustainable future. The path forward requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders to address the impacts of climate change on our living spaces and communities.

    Final Thoughts

    As the panel at South by Southwest demonstrated, understanding and addressing climate risks is essential for building a sustainable future. By leveraging data and adopting proactive measures, homeowners, buyers, and industry professionals can navigate the complexities of today’s market, making informed decisions that contribute to resilience and sustainability. The conversation around climate and real estate is evolving, and continued dialogue, research, and innovation will be key to shaping a future that accommodates the realities of our changing world.