The Daily Utah’s ‘Environmental Nuclear Bomb’
5 snips
Jul 22, 2022 
In this engaging discussion, Christopher Flavelle, a climate reporter for The New York Times, unpacks the alarming crisis of the Great Salt Lake drying up. He reveals the ecological, economic, and health implications of shrinking waters in Utah, highlighting the urgent need for legislative action. The podcast dives into the vulnerability of local communities affected by toxic dust and air quality issues. Flavelle emphasizes the necessity for proactive strategies to manage water resources while grappling with climate change and population growth.
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Two-Pronged Threat to the Lake
- Human water diversion and climate change shrink the Great Salt Lake.
- Population growth, drought, and heat exacerbate water loss.
Toxic Dust Threat
- Heavy metals like arsenic trapped beneath the lakebed pose a health risk.
- Wind can carry toxic dust, causing respiratory problems and potentially cancer.
Owens Lake: A Cautionary Tale
- Owens Lake, California, dried up after its river was diverted for Los Angeles.
- This resulted in the worst dust pollution in the US, offering a stark warning for the Great Salt Lake.