Hop off the Blog at LAX

THE END?

Summarizing the drying American Southwest

This dog is so Beverly Hills. Source: Tumblr

Hey everyone! As the Term and Holidays draw to a close it's time to go over what we've discovered on our American journey. We started off on the natural landscape changes in the Southwest. The basis of the 'thirstification' is less precipitation (both summer and winter) which leads to lower river flows and reduced water reservoirs. This then leads to water intensive agriculture using water reserves furthering the region's drought. The cities have to adjust and debate water usage and the drier landscape poses health threats to citizens. The aridification threatens the tourism industry as many parks can no longer be used the same way they once were with higher temperatures, less water and lower snowfalls. Finally, the entire region is at risk as the systematic drying of the Southwest further increases the region's risk of wildfires. 

But finding solutions isn't easy! We can't just ask the millions who call the Southwest home to change overnight! I've posed some alternatives to the business-as-usual in a drier Southwest and I'm sure there's many more that have already been implemented, are in discussion or are yet to be found. From community gardens for relieving agricultural pressure to solar energy for offsetting carbon emissions to unified ski resort action for lobbying snow season protection the Southwest has a future in its drying climate and they will have to adapt as time goes on. 

Catch some powder in the mountains! Source: Tumblr

In case you missed any of my posts over these few months I've linked them all below:

Introduction

• Getting Thirsty?

Part I- Natural Landscape Changes

• Rain rain go away but please come back to L.A.
• Let it flow; let it flow. Can't hold it back anymore!
• Will we have a Groasis?

Part II- Agriculture

• Yes I know guac costs extra
• Fresh Fruit
• Goodbye Jobs

Part III- Urban Settlements

• Water the Lawns
• Let the Sun Shine!
• Catch My Breath
• Power to the People

Part IV- Recreation

• Double Black Diamond or a Bunny Baby?
• Will They Wake Up Like This?
• Does the Castle Need a Moat?

Part V- Disaster

• (R)ice Bucket Challenge
• I See Fire
• Fire. Camera. Action.

Weather Updates

• Hashtag Rain
• Hashtag Snow

The Southwest is a very diverse region made up of several ecosystems from deserts to mountains to coasts. Some of the largest U.S. states in terms of area and population are a part of this region. I hope I have been able to capture how the general trend of aridification can affect all these different places in its own way. If you have any questions or comments about any of my posts please leave a response on my blog or tweet at me @Chaxelsson1

Next time you find yourself cruising Pacific Coast Highway in a convertible or toasting a drink in a Rocky Mountain ski lodge or practicing a round of golf surrounded by the desert landscape take a moment to appreciate this great region and ask yourself what you can do to help the region (or even your own area) adapt to the future! 

Go out and explore the deserts! Source: Tumblr