October 7, 2016

A megadrought is comparable in severity to the worst droughts of the 20th century, but of much longer duration. As a result, it would impose unprecedented stress on limited water resources in the American Southwest. A study published in Science Advances warns of the near certainty of decades-long megadroughts in the area –70, 90, or 99% by the end of the century, even if precipitation increases moderately.

Scientists are doing their share and then some, warning us repeatedly of what’s ahead. The technology –aquafacture– to conquer drought permanently using only seawater, solar energy and gravity already exists. It is economically feasible and self-sustaining –doing nothing is far more expensive- and unlike desalination, which requires proximity to a shore, aquafacture can take place in the middle of any landmass, including arid regions such as the American Southwest, the Sahara, and western China. Better yet, it can potentially mitigate the devastating effect of rising oceans by flooding natural below-sea-level depressions worldwide. The question is, are our elected representatives willing and able to do what it takes to make it a reality? The alternative –inaction- risks extinction of our species.