The science says the Colorado River is getting smaller, which means our demands for water will have to shrink as well. The challenge of balancing the health of the river and our own needs has reached a precipice. Luke Rennian recently released a six-part podcast series that takes listeners from the Colorado River's headwaters all the way to its depressing terminus in the desert of Mexico. He explains how this vital water source has been overused and what's happening now that it's getting dry.
No elemental force has done more to shape life on this planet than water, from originating the earliest forms of life, to sculpting our landscapes, to determining patterns of human civilization. Humans have tried to control water for thousands of years, and access to this precious resource has caused conflict and also unlikely partnerships. In an era defined by climate disruption, the control, access, and quality of water will continue to determine our ability to survive and thrive. How can we ensure a future where clean water exists for all who need it – including the ecosystems we depend on – and navigate the challenges of too little or too much?
Guests:
Peter Gleick, co-founder, The Pacific Institute; author, “The Three Ages of Water”
Contributor: Luke Runyon, Managing Editor & Reporter, Colorado River Basin, KUNC Radio
For show notes and related links, visit https://www.climateone.org/watch-and-listen/podcasts
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