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Scientists claim that the Southwest part of USA will be soon affected by severe droughts.
STATES CHRONICLE -Because of rising temperatures, the southwest part of US is dealing with severe droughts. A study shows that if gas emissions are reduced, then the risks of damage will decrease. Excessive droughts have been present in the Southwest of US for almost 20 years. Scientists just announced that future droughts would be even more dangerous because of rising temperatures due to global warming.
The magazine Science Advances made public the study which reveals more data about extreme droughts. This century, it is presumed that the Southwest will be overwhelmed by a megadrought. Its chances have been estimated to be between 70 and 90%. Did this information even reach authorities? What is their response, you may wonder?
Toby Ault, a researcher at the Cornell University, have claimed that the situation can become even worse if the precipitation level will be below normal. The risk of megadrought increases to 99%. If the agreement regarding climate change which was signed in Paris will be respected, then the risk could drop to almost 50%. The leaders of those countries need to reduce gas emissions coming from gas, oil, and coal burning to keep global temperatures at a constant level. Were those only promises? Do you trust the word of politicians?
The Colorado River basin, which traverses California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah is the proof of a severe drought which started its process 16 years ago. The Mead Lake is surrounded by a white mineral circle that demonstrates water levels have dropped 130 feet lower since the drought hit.
California’s authorities established to reduce water usage last year because of the never-ending drought that rules the area. The local water districts have taken control over the efforts of conservation since then, easing the restrictions. But, of course, after authorities were no longer in charge, people started breaking the rules. They did not even think that all those legislations were imposed for their own good. It was proved that a few water districts were not helping the conservation process.
Jonathan Overpack, a scientist at the University of Arizona, argued that what is to come will be devastating. The impact of future droughts will be extremely severe. Older studies have registered that past droughts had lasted for 20 or even 35 years.
Would you sign a petition to try to change something? Would you protest against authorities’ weak actions?
Image source: public domain pictures
