Archive for the Environment Category
Water Use in US Forecasted to Decline
According to the recently released report, Water: United States by Freedonia Focus Reports, water use in the US is forecasted to decline 1.1% per year through 2024. The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to significantly reduce the water use in power generation and manufacturing facilities due to the contraction in manufacturing shipments, electricity generation, and site shutdowns. Water use is expected to see a 5.1% annual drop from 2019 levels with water use in utilities expected to fall 5.5% and use in manufacturing to fall 6.2%.[1] The economic downturn associated with the pandemic is forecasted to cause a 7.7% decline in manufacturing […]
Severe Drought Affecting Colorado and Half the U.S.
As the forecast remains dry, drought continues to climb. The latest drought monitor update shows a significant milestone. The ‘Abnormally Dry’ category, that was previously keeping Colorado out of the 100% drought category by a small margin, has been replaced by areas of Moderate drought in North Colorado. This means the entire state is experiencing drought, not just a dry category or higher. The most recent time this happened was July 9, 2013[1]. That was part of a long stretch of drought conditions across Colorado. Another notable change is the increase in Severe drought conditions. With areas of Moderate drought being overtaken […]
Identifying States’ Vulnerability to Drought
When thinking of states that are most impacted or vulnerable to drought, the Western region of the country would be the most referenced area as they are suffering under hot and dry conditions and raging wildfires. However, according to a newly published assessment funded through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)[1], there are more factors involved in what makes a state more vulnerable to droughts than just a lack of rain. The assessment looked at a combination of how susceptible a state is to drought and whether it is prepared for the impacts of the drought. Each state was […]
Study Examines Texas Response to Megadrought
Texas is known for being hot and it is known for droughts. As such, the state has undertaken water planning to sustain its water supplies, an example being Austin’s “Water Forward” water resource plan. However, these plans address conditions seen in the past, such as the worst drought recorded for the state which occurred in the 1950s and spanned six years. Due to climate change and rising temperatures, the risk of extreme droughts, or megadroughts, is expected to increase by the next century, rendering these plans inadequate. A megadrought an intense drought that lasts for decades or longer; Texas has experienced drought […]
Statewide Significant Drought Declared in Massachusetts
Following a month of unusually high temperatures in July and August paired with limited rainfall, Massachusetts state officials have declared a Level 2 drought for all regions, urging citizens to closely monitor and limit their water consumption. The Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary, Kathleen Theoharides, declared a “Level 2 – Significant Drought” in all of the state’s regions this past week, according to a joint statement from Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Drought Management Task Force, and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. “The combination of three months of limited rainfall and well above normal temperatures through July and early August […]