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Draining the World of Fresh Water
Draining the World of Fresh Water Two recent studies show human activity is drying up the planet’s lakes, rivers and aquifers. Efficient irrigation systems have not conserved water but encouraged the expansion of irrigated land, resulting in more havoc with the global water system. Image via Shutterstock. “When you drink the water, remember the spring.” — […]
Plant lists that shouldn’t exist
Plant lists that shouldn’t exist Nothing drives me crazier than simplistic solutions to complex problems. Given our changing climate, there has been an explosion of “drought tolerant” and “firewise” plant lists in the gardening world. Most of these lists are devoid of science and all of them are removed from reality. The fact is that […]
How Low Flows Due to Irrigation are Destroying Oregon’s Deschutes River
How Low Flows Due to Irrigation are Destroying Oregon’s Deschutes River The majority of water removed from the Deschutes is used to grow irrigated pasture and hay for livestock not crops consumed directly by humans. Photo by George Wuerthner The recent article “Low Flows On Deschutes” highlights why irrigation is a significant threat to our […]
Water Saving Irrigation Practices
WATER SAVING IRRIGATION PRACTICES Saving water in the soil is without a doubt the easiest and most effective way to manage the water flowing through your land. If you need extra irrigation, however, the water stored up in your soil isn´t easy to access. For irrigation needs, you´ll want to use water that you store […]
In the Water-Scarce Southwest, an Ancient Irrigation System Disrupts Big Agriculture
In the Water-Scarce Southwest, an Ancient Irrigation System Disrupts Big Agriculture In New Mexico and Colorado, the “acequia” is more than just democratic water distribution—it is at the center of Southwest culture. Water in the American Southwest has never been abundant. Its availability fluctuates depending on conditions like drought and mountain snowpack that feeds streams […]
The Problems With Our Industrial Water System Today
THE PROBLEMS WITH OUR INDUSTRIAL WATER SYSTEM TODAY Imagine that you´re in your home on a rainy afternoon. It has been raining for two days straight now and your front yard is full of puddles. The water is rushing along the drain ways on the side of the road and the local news is talking […]
Salting the Economy to Death
Salting the Economy to Death One popular delusion that won’t seem to go away is the notion that policy makers can stimulate robust economic growth by setting interest rates artificially low. The general theory is that cheap credit compels individuals and businesses to borrow more and consume more. Before you know it, the good times […]
Climate Change Poses Existential Water Risks
Climate Change Poses Existential Water Risks We often hear it said that climate change is too abstract to win the support needed to effectively combat it. But the primary way we will experience climate change is through the water cycle – through droughts, floods, depleted rivers, shrinking reservoirs, dried-out soils, melting glaciers, loss of snowpack […]
