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Southwest Water Crisis Looms

Global warming leading to long periods of severe drought

By Sarah Levy, Newser User

Posted Apr 6, 2007 8:35 AM CDT

(Newser) – Permanent drought could strike the Southwest U.S. by 2050, thanks to global warming, and experts predict water wars, as cities and farmers face shortages. Computer models show that the drying has already begun. Jonathan Overpeck, a climate researcher at the University of Arizona, says the data tell “a story which is pretty darn scary and very strong.”

Researchers warn that the country's fastest-growing region should prepare to address issues of water allocation between cities and agriculture, and between states. “This is a situation that is going to cause water wars,” said Kevin Trenberth, a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

Record High Temperatures Exacerbate Drought as Strange Weather Plagues Los Angeles County (Getty Images (by Event))

' (Getty Images)

Drought And Climate Change Threaten Colorado River Basin (Getty Images)

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Southwest Water Crisis Looms

Global warming leading to long periods of severe drought

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West's Water Woes May Be Permanent

Diminishing snowcap, shrinking reservoirs could 'wipe out' states

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Water is in decline 20 to 30 years earlier than expected

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Creatures' movements may carry carbon dioxide to ocean depths

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Global warming leading to long periods of severe drought

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Related articles

environment • drought • global warming • Southwest • water

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

West's Water Woes May Be Permanent

Diminishing snowcap, shrinking reservoirs could 'wipe out' states

Melting Peru Glaciers Threaten Water Crisis

Water is in decline 20 to 30 years earlier than expected

Jellyfish Journeys May Affect Climate

Creatures' movements may carry carbon dioxide to ocean depths

Battered Australia a Preview of Climate Devastation

Country grapples with drought, wildfires, and heat

UN Report: Climate Change Will Hit Poor Hardest

Poorest will be hit hardest

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?