Water Conservation in California

California Drought and its Impacts

California has been hit hard by a prolonged drought and a lack of water, with the former triggering the latter. In its most basic form, the deficit refers to a period of drier-than-normal conditions that result in water scarcity issues and can be caused by several factors. Early preparation and appropriate mitigation measures, on the other hand, can go a long way toward mitigating the drought's adverse effects. For example, accurate mapping of the California drought allowed the state to foresee the disaster and implement measures to reduce its impacts. Water conservation is one of these measures, which has remained a way of life in California even after the drought. For example, accurate mapping of the California drought helped the state anticipate the catastrophe and put in place measures that helped counteract its effects. Such measures include water conservation which has since remained a way of life in California even after the drought subsided. The drought in California is considered to have ended when the governor issued an executive order to end the state of emergency on the drought in every county except Fresno, Kings, Tulare and Tuolumne counties, a decision informed by the above average precipitation and snowpack. However, it remains to be seen whether these changes are permanent.

Jong Wook Choe Response

Global warming has become a contentious issue in the modern world and as such, it has seen plenty of debate, dissent, and scientific research. It is often deemed the responsibilities of world bodies and governments to regulate their industries and help reduce harmful emissions. However, there is also the perspective where the individual has a role to play by ensuring that they use friendly fuel and reducing the individual carbon footprint. From this standpoint, global warming is not an individual government’s responsibility but a collective responsibility between governments and citizens (both natural and artificial) around the globe. It is important to note that transitioning to a lifestyle that is free of global warming enough to have an impact shall take several years and can be expensive, thus, this makes it a gradual process that requires every stakeholder to participate and shun the blame game.