California’s heavy rainfall can only temporarily alleviate droughts
California is once again being pummeled by rainwater this winter, following a historic rainfall in 2023 that ended a years-long drought.
According to a report from Fox Weather, the West Coast is preparing for yet another storm system after an atmospheric river hit Los Angeles, resulting in three fatalities. Southern California experienced over 10 inches of rain, making it one of the wettest days in LA history. The region is now dealing with over 130 flooding incidents, including mudslides and fallen trees.
While the recent flooding may have provided temporary relief to the drought-stricken state, water managers remain cautious about the future. The head of the Orange County Municipal Water District expressed confidence in water supplies for 2024, but acknowledged that California’s history of long dry periods means drought restrictions will likely return.
Less than two years ago, over 97 percent of California was suffering from severe drought conditions. Residents of Los Angeles were limited to watering their lawns just two days a week for a few minutes each day. Despite attempts to capitalize on rainfall, California’s existing infrastructure can only store a limited amount of water. The state desperately needs a new major reservoir, but environmentalists have consistently blocked new projects.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation reports that nearly 95 percent of rainwater in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta flows back to the Pacific. To address this issue, state officials should consider ramping up desalination efforts, which convert seawater into freshwater and salt. However, plans for a large-scale desalination project were rejected in 2022, although a smaller project has been approved and is expected to begin operations in 2027.
By expanding desalination operations, California hopes to alleviate pressure on the Colorado River system, which is a source of contention among western states that rely on it to support a population of 40 million people.
[RELATED:[RELATED:How To Turn Desalination Waste From Burden To Profit]
Tristan Justice is the western correspondent for The Federalist and the author of Social Justice Redux, a conservative newsletter on culture, health, and wellness. He has also written for The Washington Examiner and The Daily Signal. His work has also been featured in Real Clear Politics and Fox News. Tristan graduated from George Washington University where he majored in political science and minored in journalism. Follow him on Twitter at @JusticeTristan or contact him at [email protected]. Sign up for Tristan’s email newsletter here.
What land and resource management practices should California reevaluate in order to address climate change?
Ocked such projects due to concerns about their impact on ecosystems and endangered species.
Climate scientists have long warned that climate change will bring more intense and frequent extreme weather events, and California appears to be experiencing the effects firsthand. The atmospheric river that recently hit Los Angeles is a prime example of the kind of weather patterns that are becoming more common in the region. An atmospheric river is a narrow band of moisture in the atmosphere that can bring heavy rainfall over a short period of time. These weather events can result in flash floods, landslides, and other destructive impacts.
In the face of these challenges, Californians are being urged to take steps to adapt to the changing climate. This includes implementing better water management strategies, such as increasing water storage capacity and promoting water conservation practices. It also means investing in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events, such as improving drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding.
But adapting to climate change goes beyond just infrastructure. It also involves reevaluating land and resource management practices. Many experts argue that California needs to rethink its approach to land use and development, particularly in areas prone to flooding and other climate-related risks. This may mean implementing stricter building codes and regulations to ensure that new development projects are resilient to climate impacts.
Furthermore, addressing climate change requires a collective effort. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. This means embracing renewable energy, promoting energy efficiency, and supporting policies that incentivize sustainable practices.
If California is to successfully navigate the challenges of climate change, it will require a multifaceted approach that combines adaptation strategies with mitigation efforts. This will require political will, financial investment, and a commitment to long-term sustainability. But if done correctly, California can serve as a model for other regions grappling with the impacts of climate change.
As the rain continues to pour down, Californians must not only react to the immediate crisis but also proactively work towards a more resilient and sustainable future. The time for action is now.
