February 16, 2017

We have received numerous requests to reconcile drought with the recent flooding in northern California. Most of them infer that, being polar opposites, it is impossible to have both at the same time. The answer is that California’s climate is complex and varied, with a well watered north and an arid south. In addition, the current winter (2016-2017) is an aberration, the wettest on record.

As a whole, the state consumes far more water than nature provides. Rain and snow account for about a third of what it uses; the rest comes from the Colorado River and groundwater. The latter is being depleted so fast that portions of the San Joaquin Valley have sunk, in some places as much as two feet. This comprehensive article explains the situation in detail.

The situation is not unique to California. The great aquifers of the world are all being depleted and current leaders are doing absolutely nothing to prevent the inevitable consequences that future generations will face: famine, hordes of refugees, border walls, and ultimately, war. We have no choice. Climate change is compelling us to abandon our primitive water collection ways, unchanged since the dawn of civilization, and start manufacturing the water we need. Now, before it’s too late.