Entry #5- Arizona's water shortage

 As we all know, Arizona, a state known for its deserts and arid climate, is facing a severe water crisis. The combination of population growth, drought, and climate change has exacerbated the problem, leading to a looming water shortage. The article “What’s Happening with the Arizona Water Shortage Crisis?” from Earth.org gives an excellent overview of the issue at hand. According to the article, the water shortage we are experiencing now is just the beginning of an ongoing crisis. While the article states; “It is worth noting that despite a population increase of six million residents since 1957, Arizona has been using about the same amount of water now as they did then.” What has caused this enormous drought, and what are Arizona's future possibilities? The article thoroughly explains the climate-changing aspects of the problem. Essentially the temperatures in az have been steadily rising since the 1970s and as such hotter days result in higher evaporation rates. In addition, experts predict that water levels in the Lakes  that source az with water will not likely recover soon amid current global warming projections and aridity. But do not worry Arizonians, according to the article there are a few solutions. The first is of course to invest and partner with other states. Otherwise, there have been discussions of diverting floodwaters from the Mississippi River basin to the Rio Grande in New Mexico or the Front Range in Colorado as an alternate water supply. This can lead to an increase in water prices from as much as $1500. As a resident in Arizona I am personally not a fan of how costly the current solution is. However this may be the only way to help the state's water resources, which are already limited due its arid climate.                      

Source: 

           Lai, Olivia. “What's Happening with the Arizona Water Shortage Crisis.” Earth.Org, Earth.Org, 21 June 2022, https://earth.org/arizona-water-shortage/.