The Daily

7 States, 1 River and an Agonizing Choice

Jan 31, 2023

Christopher Flavelle, a climate reporter for The New York Times, discusses the looming Colorado River water crisis affecting 40 million residents across seven states. With the river facing a ‘deadpool’ scenario due to two decades of drought, negotiations on water usage cuts have stalled. Flavelle delves into the intense conflicts between states like California and Arizona over water rights and emphasizes the dire need for federal intervention. He also highlights innovative efforts by local communities to adapt to these environmental challenges.

23:45

Creator website

Episode guests

Christopher Flavelle

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

Confronting the Colorado River Crisis

7min

The Struggle for Water Rights in the West

5min

Water Rights Clash: California vs. Arizona

7min

Transformative Actions in the Face of Environmental Challenges

3min

In the United States, 40 million people in seven states depend on water provided by the Colorado River.

After 20 years of drought, the situation is dire and the river is at risk of becoming a “deadpool,” a condition in which there is not enough water to pass through the dams.

The states were supposed to come up with a deal to cut their usage by Tuesday. Now, the federal government may have to step in and make a difficult decision.

Guest: Christopher Flavelle, a climate reporter for The New York Times.

Background reading:

The seven states that rely on the river for water are not expected to reach a deal on reductions. The federal government could impose cuts for the first time in the water supply for millions of Americans.

For more information on today’s episode, visit

nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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