Exploring Climate Change Through a Road Trip in the Southwest
Written on
Chapter 1: A Journey Through the Arid Southwest
This narrative captures the profound impact of climate change in the Southwest, particularly in relation to water availability. The consequences of human actions since the Industrial Revolution have intensified our focus on the planet's changing climate. The core issue revolves around the distribution of water—either in excess or scarcity—and the warming of polar regions.
Residents of the West might envy the East for its rainfall, while Easterners might counter with tales of flooding basements. In this exploration, I embarked on a trip through five states in the West, documenting my firsthand observations of the ongoing megadrought—my seventh report on this significant issue.
Albuquerque to Window Rock to Page, AZ
From mid-June to mid-September, monsoonal rains are essential for agriculture and livestock in Arizona and New Mexico. However, these rains can also influence Southern California, Nevada, Utah, and southwestern Colorado, depending on wind patterns. The past three years have yielded minimal monsoonal precipitation, but 2021 showed some improvement. During my travels in late August, I was heartened to see the Navajo Nation's vast prairies blooming with greenery and dotted with yellow wildflowers. Though patches of brown remained, there was enough grass for livestock to graze.
One of the highlights of my journey was visiting Antelope Canyon near Page, famed for its stunning sandstone formations. Unfortunately, rain disrupted my plans to explore the canyon, which was both a blessing and a curse.
The landscape around Page and Lake Powell predominantly features red sandstone, limiting vegetation to only the tiniest crevices where plants can thrive.
Page to St. George, UT, and Death Valley
As I journeyed west from Page, I entered "The Arizona Strip," a unique region bordered by the Colorado River to the south and the Utah border to the north. Despite its apparent lushness compared to typical Arizona standards, the monsoons were responsible for this surprising greenery.
The climate rapidly shifts in this area, transitioning from desert to alpine forests within a short distance. St. George, one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan areas, relies on the Virgin River for its water supply, which resembles more of a stream than a river. The city proposes a $1.8 billion pipeline project to transport water from Lake Powell, traversing challenging terrain that necessitates heavy pumping.
Descending into the valley that encompasses Las Vegas and the Mojave Desert, the landscape became increasingly parched. This region experienced no monsoonal rains in July and August, leaving the ground scorched and the vegetation sparse. Upon arriving in Death Valley around 9:00 PM, I was greeted by a sweltering 105°F. The following morning, I ventured out to experience this otherworldly national park, where salt flats crackled after a brief rain, creating a surreal atmosphere.
Death Valley to Ventura, CA
The final destination of my trip was Ventura for my 45th high school reunion. This leg of the journey took me through the Mojave Desert, where the landscape appeared parched, with sparse vegetation. The Palmdale/Lancaster area, home to over 500,000 residents, raises questions about sustainability due to its lack of visible water sources. The primary water supply comes from deep wells tapping into natural aquifers.
As I approached the coast, the greenery returned due to irrigation, with the Oxnard Plain known for its fertile soil. Here, diverse crops thrive year-round, while Ventura's coastal breezes provided a refreshing change from the surrounding arid terrain.
Ventura to Long Beach, Palm Springs, and Phoenix
Driving through the Los Angeles area revealed long stretches of freeway, but as I headed back inland, the parched hills showed the scars of past wildfires. The Colorado River, now diminished by upstream dams, trickles through Blythe, CA, ultimately feeding the Imperial Valley's agricultural demands.
As I crossed into Arizona, the landscape began to brighten, with green patches appearing thanks to the monsoonal rains. The Central Arizona Project canal, which supplies water to Phoenix and Tucson, became visible as I drove along I-10, though significant evaporation remains a concern.
Phoenix to Albuquerque
Heading north from Phoenix along SR 87, the greenery persisted, though many areas bore the marks of wildfires. The landscape appeared healthier, but the underlying drought conditions remained a reality.
Conclusion
California seems trapped in a cycle of drought, with meteorologists predicting a developing La Niña pattern that could lead to warmer and drier conditions. As we approach the end of the year, the drought is expected to persist across much of the Southwest, while the Pacific Northwest may see improvements.
With such challenging forecasts, it's time to shift focus to lighter topics. As my daughter might say, let's embrace the ponies, rainbows, and unicorns for now. Until my next update in January, here's hoping for some much-needed snow!
Sources for this article include weatherunderground.com, The Washington Post 7/27/2021, Water Education Foundation, and the Central Arizona Project.
This video explores the implications of abrupt climate change and our efforts to maintain a habitable Earth.
In this discussion, experts address whether the mobility sector presents a unique opportunity in the fight against climate change.