California Drought

Question 1

What was the location of the drought discussed?

Answer 1

Western USA

Question 2

What was the timeframe of the drought?

Answer 2

2012-2016, though conditions worsened from 2011

Question 3

What type of drought occurred?

Answer 3

Meteorological and hydrological drought

Question 4

What was the approximate population affected by the drought?

Answer 4

~39 million

Question 5

What percentage of the US vegetables does California produce?

Answer 5

1/3

Question 6

What percentage of the US fruits and nuts does California produce?

Answer 6

2/3

Question 7

What were some of the driest years on record?

Answer 7

2012-2015

Question 8

What meteorological phenomenon blocked storms from reaching California?

Answer 8

Persistent high-pressure system (‘Ridiculously Resilient Ridge’)

Question 9

What effect did warmer temperatures have during the drought?

Answer 9

Higher evaporation rates

Question 10

What was the consequence of less snowfall in the Sierra Nevada Mountains?

Answer 10

Less snowmelt feeding rivers

Question 11

What influence does climate change have on drought severity?

Answer 11

Warming intensified drought severity

This refers to the increased frequency and intensity of droughts due to climate change.

Question 12

What percentage of California’s developed water is used by intensive agriculture?

Answer 12

80%

Intensive agriculture is a significant factor in water usage in California.

Question 13

What is a consequence of groundwater pumping in California?

Answer 13

Intensified to compensate for surface shortages (unsustainable)

This practice can lead to long-term depletion of groundwater resources.

Question 14

What urbanization issue contributes to water shortages in California?

Answer 14

Cities expanded without sustainable water plans

Rapid urbanization can strain existing water supplies.

Question 15

How many wildfires occurred in California in 2015?

Answer 15

8,745 wildfires

This statistic highlights the scale of wildfires in a single year.

Question 16

What area was burned by wildfires in California in 2015?

Answer 16

893,362 acres

The extent of land affected illustrates the severity of wildfires.

Question 17

What role does drier vegetation play in wildfires?

Answer 17

Acts as fuel

Drier conditions increase the likelihood and intensity of wildfires.

Question 18

What is habitat loss?

Answer 18

A significant reduction in natural environments, leading to negative impacts on wildlife and ecosystems.

Habitat loss can result from various factors, including urban development, agriculture, and climate change.

Question 19

What were the effects of habitat loss on rivers and wetlands?

Answer 19

Rivers dried and wetlands shrank.

These changes can lead to decreased biodiversity and affect local ecosystems.

Question 20

Which fish populations were severely impacted due to habitat loss?

Answer 20

Fish populations such as salmon.

Salmon are particularly sensitive to changes in their habitat and require specific conditions for spawning.

Question 21

What is land subsidence?

Answer 21

The sinking of land due to excessive groundwater pumping.

This phenomenon can lead to infrastructure damage and increased flooding risks.

Question 22

How much can land subside per year in some areas due to groundwater pumping?

Answer 22

Up to 60 cm/year.

This rate can vary significantly depending on local geological and hydrological conditions.

Question 23

What were the agricultural losses reported in 2015?

Answer 23

$2.7 billion losses.

These losses can have long-term economic impacts on local communities and food supply.

Question 24

How many jobs were lost in the farming sector in 2015?

Answer 24

18,000+ jobs lost.

Job losses in agriculture can affect local economies and livelihoods.

Question 25

What increased costs did farmers and cities face due to water shortages?

Answer 25

Increased water costs due to drilling deeper wells or importing water. ## Footnote These costs can lead to higher prices for consumers and reduced agricultural productivity.

Question 26

What energy impacts resulted from reduced hydroelectric power?

Answer 26

Less hydroelectric power led to more fossil fuels burned and higher energy bills. ## Footnote This shift can contribute to increased greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Question 27

Which communities were hardest hit by the water crisis?

Answer 27

Rural communities ## Footnote These communities faced significant challenges, including dry taps.

Question 28

What was a major inequality issue during the water crisis?

Answer 28

Richer communities could afford private wells, poorer ones couldn't ## Footnote This disparity highlighted the unequal access to water resources.

Question 29

What mandatory water reduction percentage was announced by Governor Jerry Brown in 2015?

Answer 29

25% ## Footnote This was part of the water rationing measures implemented during the crisis.

Question 30

What were the short-term responses to the water crisis?

Answer 30

Water restrictions and financial incentives ## Footnote These included measures such as banning lawn watering during the day and offering rebates.

Question 31

What specific water restriction was implemented regarding lawns?

Answer 31

Lawns banned from being watered during the day ## Footnote This measure was aimed at reducing water consumption.

Question 32

What change was made in restaurants concerning water service?

Answer 32

Restaurants only served water on request ## Footnote This policy aimed to reduce unnecessary water usage.

Question 33

What kind of financial incentives were offered during the water crisis?

Answer 33

Rebates for removing lawns or installing water-efficient appliances ## Footnote These incentives encouraged conservation and efficient water use.

Question 34

What was the increased budget for wildfire control during the water crisis?

Answer 34

Nearly $1 billion ## Footnote This increase aimed to enhance firefighting efforts amid drought conditions.

Question 35

What is the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act?

Answer 35

First ever attempt to regulate groundwater use. ## Footnote Enacted in 2014, this act aims to manage and protect groundwater resources in California.

Question 36

What is significant about the Carlsbad Desalination Plant?

Answer 36

Largest desalination plant in the Western Hemisphere, opened in 2015. ## Footnote This plant plays a crucial role in providing a reliable source of drinking water.

Question 37

What type of investments are being made in water infrastructure?

Answer 37

Repairs to water conveyance systems and development of reservoirs. ## Footnote These investments are essential for ensuring the efficiency and reliability of water supply.

Question 38

What is the purpose of the 'Save Our Water' initiative?

Answer 38

Encouraged water-saving behaviours. ## Footnote This education campaign aims to promote awareness and responsibility regarding water usage.