Last week, California’s Governator
Schwarzenegger declared a statewide environmental emergency. This is the third
consecutive year California has experienced a drought. Some counties have
already decided that water rationing is the best option. The Governor is still
only ‘threatening’ with water rationing. He has asked everyone living in cities
to reduce water use by 20%. It is very difficult to gage how much of one's water
usage is 20%. We need some serious changes, soon!
Watch the announcement here.
5 Reasons why this problem sucks for CA residents:
1. No more “Singing in the Rain” shower performances.
2. Pools can only be refilled with grey water.
3. The entire state is going on a diet since there isn’t enough water
to produce food for everyone.
4. No more slip-and-slide birthday parties.
5. Waterman just lost his job.
3 Reasons why this problem rocks for CA residents:
1. The state plans to expand public utilities projects
2. and hence jobs will be created
3. People will finally start caring about this precious resource
Drought is a really serious problem that will impact food production,
employment and the livelihoods of entire communities.
Over 70 percent of the United States will experience water shortages in
the near future and this means that states will compete for the
remaining availability of H2O. States will sue one another and
pandemonium will ensue! Montana and Wyoming are already battling for
water rights. Montana has sued Wyoming for taking too much water from
the Tongue and Powder rivers which spring in Wyoming and flow into
Montana
(http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/10/21/news/state/25-waterrights.txt)
California is already experiencing drought, the northwest is
suffering shortages due to light showfall in the past few years... all
this makes me think the water shortage is coming to town sooner than
expected. Global warming plus diminishing resources will zap water
availability from both ends and we will all feel the consequences.
With this scare in mind, I find some comfort in organizations like Food
and Water Watch, who are trying to raise awareness of the impending
global water crisis. Most people don't even have access to clean
drinking water and those who do, waste it! It is about time for a
movement to address the reality of our water supply.
I am glad YouthNoise is taking initiative to mobilize young people
around issues of water. The DROP Summit on November 15th in NYC will
definitely be a stepping stone to raising awareness and building a
coalition of youth to stop this global crisis.
