Research uncovers more evidence for possibly decades-long droughts. Climate change is the likely culprit in effects that may challenge infrastructure and agricultural output throughout the century.
Although California’s current four-year dry spell may not be directly related, climate scientists have discovered evidence suggesting that the western states may have to contend with decades-long droughts. These so-called "megadroughts" would have a magnitude unprecedented for at least the past thousand years.
The hypothesized cause is nothing new: "research suggests that rising temperatures connected to climate change—not necessarily a decrease in precipitation—will boost the risks of drought far beyond that caused by historic natural variability." Increased evaporation will make it difficult to retain existing reservoirs, while a hotter climate will drive greater demand for irrigation and municipal water.
Eric Holthaus reports on the scientists' methodology and potential wide-reaching effects. Long-term, these may include economic repercussions and lifestyle changes for "tens of millions of people from San Francisco to Las Vegas and from Dallas to Des Moines."
FULL STORY: The United States of Megadrought
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