The Intelligence from The Economist Stymie a river: the American West dries up
Aug 18, 2021
Erin Braun, The Economist's Mountain West correspondent, sheds light on the alarming water crisis in the Colorado River, noting the urgent need for new management strategies as climate change exacerbates drought conditions. Meanwhile, Anshul Pfeffer, Israel's correspondent, discusses the international fallout from the misuse of Pegasus spyware, raising vital questions about privacy and government surveillance. They also touch on the revival of Iru, a beloved Nigerian seasoning, celebrating its culinary journey from local staple to global phenomenon.
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Bathtub Ring
- Lake Mead, America's largest reservoir, has a 150-foot white strip around its surface.
- Locals call it the "bathtub ring," showing how much the water level has dropped.
Water Shortage Implications
- The declared water shortage means cuts for Nevada, Arizona, and Mexico, impacting farmers in central Arizona the most.
- This shortage is a warning of future issues, including the risk of "deadpool," where water levels are too low for hydropower generation.
Reasons for low water levels
- Climate change significantly impacts the Colorado River's flow, with a 20% decline since 2000, half attributed to human activity.
- Additionally, initial overestimations of the river's water volume a century ago exacerbated the current water crisis.