Journal 40

Utah Valley University does this wonderful competition each year where they have high-school students write essays on major topics relating to Sustainable Development and the Yearly programs set forth by the United Nations. The 2014 competition next year will in fact be on, what the United Nations is calling, the year of family farming. I think that I might dip my toes into the subject as well. This will of course be in relation to the aforementioned sustainable development and green energy topic of my final paper.

As we know, there is a water cycle. This cycle circulates water in an endless cycle that permits the growth of plants, the (re) distribution of water, and the storage of fresh water in mountain water sheds and glaciers. But because of global warming and climate change this cycle ends up being disrupted or, in some cases, halted altogether. Examples of these would be the low snow ranges of the winter 2012. This caused little water to trickle down the mountains into fresh water rivers that then flow into such areas as Lake Powell. First, the flow from these water sheds into rivers. By not having enough water to filter into these rivers they, the rivers, subsequently dry up. Second, because of the lack of water flow reaching rivers, the rivers are no longer capable of feeding into lakes. Third, this and many years of similar circumstances end up dropping the waters levels of lakes. In the case of Lake Powell, 50% its proper water levels. This in turn leads to other issues, and not just the potential damage to boats. Forth, because of the lowing of water levels, aquatic ecosystems are effected, some fish leave the area, thus affecting more of the ecosystem. Five, water is no longer able to effectively flow out of the lakes and into out-bound rivers, causing issues for these rivers and their eco systems. Also, these out-bound water flows are leading into draining systems that feed into reservoirs and irrigation ditches for local farms. Lack of water leads to poor irrigation, lessening a farms produce. Leading to rising prices and causing changes to local and regional and national economy.

So how does one deal with this issue? One could blame it on the water, then lead from the water to climate change, to the cause of climate change and repeat the cycle. But we know that something needs to be done. That is what I am looking into and hoping we can find capable means of altering this downward course into improper water use practices.