The Daily 7 States, 1 River and an Agonizing Choice
28 snips
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.
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Colorado River Crisis
- The Colorado River, a vital water source for 40 million people, is drying up due to a 20-year drought.
- Seven states using the river were asked by the federal government to cut water usage by 20-40%.
The "Deadpool" Threat
- "Deadpool" describes the catastrophic scenario where water levels drop too low for dams to function.
- This would cut off water and power for downstream states, primarily California, Arizona, and Nevada.
Visible Impacts of Drought
- Low lake levels have revealed sunken boats, exposed lakebeds, and even human remains.
- The unpredictability of snowmelt due to climate change makes it harder to predict when "Deadpool" will arrive.