Drought / Disappearing Desert
Droughts are nothing new to the desert southwest, but the increasing impact of human development is affecting the ability of ecosystems to adequately respond. Here and Now delves into the latest data to find out how bad the current drought is and what options are available to those areas affected the worst.
Janine Schipper is an NAU associate professor who has studied he impact of growth in the Phoenix area. Her new book Disappearing Desert: The Growth of Phoenix and the Culture of Sprawl explores the ramifications of rapid growth with a focus on sustainable development in the Cave Creek area; the ecological impact caused by master-planned communities, and ecological balance sought on the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Reservation.
Your thoughts and concerns about drought and ecological harm caused by humans is welcome below.
Posted by
Paul Atkinson - Here and Now Producer at
11:00
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Comments (8)
I have some questions I hope will be addressed in this morning's program on drought, They include: Water features, from lakes to fountains to swimming pools, are popping up all over the Valley. What impact are they having on water supplies and the climate around Phoenix? Also, while some of these water features are publicly owned a growing number (notably pools and some lakes) are privately owned by individuals or neighborhoods/communities. What impact does the changing ownership model have on how we view/think of water not just in the Valley but across the nation and around the world? Thank you.
Peak Oil will impact energy and transportation. Remote locations and grid connections are often cited as obstacles to constructing massive solar and wind farms. Does it not make more sense to try to install, say, rooftop solar panels and small wind turbines on existing homes already on the grid? Likewise, wouldn't it be more practical to devise a mass transit system using various size buses on existing highways in a "hub-and-spoke" system like the airlines do?
First of all, Thank you for paying attention to this. I'm a native Arizonan and I would think that anyone who's lived here at least 15 years has noticed a discernible difference in the valleys environment. It appears that all that matters here in Arizona, are the people that just arrived, or for the people that are not even here yet. Banking on the wow factor that they all experience when they newly arrive.
What will it really be like here in the valley when the projected doubling of our population occurs?
Also, as the enviroment and blatant destruction of the desert get worse, what are the reasons that you have found that our so called "leaders" choose to ignore this activity?
Hi! Great topic as always thank you!
Just as with the redundant debate on climate change, there also seems to be a lack on consensus about drought and the scarcity of water in the US Southwest. For example, at an event at the Science Center just this week (http://www.runningdry.org/americansouthwest/america.html), SRP was firm that Phoenix has a secure and sure water supply and there was no cause for concern. Why is there any debate on this topic when it's just another numbers game (too many people, increasingly dry conditions - including from climate change, too much waste, not enough innovation)?
Here's the website mentioned by Tony Haffer:
http://azdroughtwatch.org/
Here's the AZ Game and Fish hotline:
(866) 950-2433
Could you have your guests comment on the research published in Feb. of this year on the chance of Lake Mead being dry by 2021, and the effects this will have on water in the state?
Are there correlations between wealth & access to a "pristine" desert view that have led to such sprawl? For instance, it seems that there might be a sense of entitlement about the ability to live on the fringes & enjoy the desert view vs. the necessity for most folks to live closer in (housing, smaller lots, closer to work, etc.)
I just wanted to let William know that we may not be getting to his question. Our guest is a social scientist and not necessarily an environmental one ( if that makes sense).
