drought
Newsletter
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South Texas cities seek new water sources as Rio Grande dries up
Faced with severe drought, South Texas cities are exploring costly but innovative methods to secure their water supply.
In short:
- The Rio Grande's water levels are critically low, pushing South Texas cities to find alternative water sources.
- Edinburg plans a new water treatment facility to extract water from underground aquifers and reuse wastewater.
- Reverse osmosis is gaining popularity in the region despite high costs and environmental concerns.
Key quote:
"We see the future and we've got to find different water alternatives, sources. You know how they used to say water is gold? Now it's platinum."
— Tom Reyna, Edinburg assistant city manager
Why this matters:
With the Rio Grande no longer reliable, South Texas faces water scarcity that threatens both residential and agricultural needs. Innovative solutions are essential but may be financially unattainable for smaller communities without state support.
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Decades of water mismanagement threaten Yaqui culture in Mexico
The Yaqui tribe in Sonora, Mexico faces cultural and environmental devastation as the Yaqui River dries up due to overuse, drought, and dam construction.
In short:
- The Yaqui River, crucial for cultural ceremonies and subsistence, has dried up, impacting plant and animal species central to Yaqui traditions.
- Traditional structures and ceremonial instruments, dependent on riverbank flora and endemic species like the four-mirror butterfly, are endangered.
- The tribe now relies on purchased water and faces health issues from dietary changes due to the loss of their natural resources.
Key quote:
“We are facing a very critical situation of loss of many aspects that have to do with culture. In the way they work the land, the way they eat and also in the way they carry out their rituals.”
— José Luis Moctezuma, National Institute of Anthropology and History
Why this matters:
The loss of the Yaqui River disrupts not only the tribe's daily life but also their cultural heritage, leading to health and ecological consequences. Immediate attention to water management and conservation is important to preserve the Yaqui way of life.
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Credit: Michael Kirsh/Unsplash
Climate change leads to unexpected greening in drylands
Increased CO2 levels are causing vegetation growth in drylands despite predictions of widespread desertification.
In short:
- Rising CO2 levels are enhancing photosynthesis, helping plants in arid regions use water more efficiently.
- This "CO2 fertilization effect" is leading to increased vegetation in drylands, including areas in Africa, Australia, and India.
- However, this greening may deplete scarce water supplies and disrupt local ecosystems.
Key quote:
“Greening is happening in most of the drylands globally, despite increasing aridity.”
— Jason Evans, water-cycle researcher at the Climate Change Research Centre of the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia
Why this matters:
While this greening effect may seem beneficial, it's crucial to understand the broader implications. Enhanced vegetation can temporarily stabilize soils, reducing dust storms and providing habitat for wildlife. However, this could be a double-edged sword. The types of plants thriving may not be the native species but rather opportunistic, invasive plants that could alter the local biodiversity and disrupt existing ecosystems.
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Farmers use solar panels to protect crops and conserve water
Arizona farmers are adopting solar panels to shade crops, conserve water, and generate power, aided by federal programs.
In short:
- Solar panels over crops provide shade, reducing water evaporation and protecting plants from extreme heat.
- The University of Arizona's agrivoltaics research shows increased soil moisture and crop yields with less water use.
- Federal programs like the Rural Energy for America Program offer loans and grants to support farmers in implementing renewable energy systems.
Key quote:
“Agrivoltaics actually helped us get even more bean production because now we were providing the shade, so they were less stressed.”
— Greg Barron-Gafford, University of Arizona professor
Why this matters:
Combining solar energy with farming helps Arizona combat drought, reduce water use, and increase crop yields. This sustainable approach supports farmers and aligns with broader environmental goals.
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Newsletter
Forest microbiome study aims to boost tree resilience to climate stressors
Researchers at the University of Idaho received a $15 million grant to explore how forest microorganisms can help trees withstand drought and wildfires.
In short:
- The EMBER project studies how microorganisms in Idaho forests respond to stress, aiming to improve forest management and resilience.
- The research focuses on coniferous trees and involves simulating drought and wildfire conditions to identify beneficial microorganisms.
- The project combines expertise from multiple scientific disciplines and integrates Indigenous forest management practices.
Key quote:
"We really didn’t have that engaged molecular and microbiology team before."
— Tara Hudiburg, principal investigator and professor at the University of Idaho
Why this matters:
Understanding the role of microorganisms can help forest managers maintain healthier forests amid climate change, reducing the impact of droughts and wildfires. This research also bridges modern science and traditional knowledge, fostering innovative forest management practices.
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California pushes forward with Sites Reservoir construction
Despite the largest dam removal project in U.S. history underway, the federal government has allocated $216 million for California's first major new reservoir in fifty years.
In short:
- The proposed Sites Reservoir will require two main dams and will inundate 14,000 acres of grassland, primarily sourcing water from the Sacramento River.
- Advocates claim the project will address climate change by storing winter rainwater, but critics argue it endangers vital salmon habitats and serves wealthy agribusiness interests.
- The project, fast-tracked by the governor, is structured like real estate, allowing stakeholders to buy water shares.
Key quote:
"These winter flows are the only thing that’s keeping these really at-risk species alive and these ecosystems functioning."
— Ann Willis, California director of American Rivers
Why this matters:
The reservoir project highlights ongoing conflicts between water management and environmental conservation. It raises concerns about prioritizing economic interests over ecological health and equitable water distribution.
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Women in Oaxaca revitalize ancient water preservation methods
Indigenous women in Oaxaca are adopting ancestral techniques to combat severe droughts and water scarcity.
In short:
- Agustina Ortiz and other women are using ferro-cement water tanks to collect and purify rainwater.
- They grow drought-resistant crops, ensuring food security and creating income through surplus sales.
- The nonprofit Grupedsac trains these women in sustainable water and land management practices.
Key quote:
"We need to empower these women, but we also need to understand that the word empowerment means different things in our societies."
— Joaquin Carrillo, director of Grupedsac's Oaxaca center
Why this matters:
Water scarcity is intensifying in Oaxaca, impacting agriculture and daily life. Teaching sustainable water management and empowering women enhances community resilience against climate change.
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