Earth as a Precious Place

The earth is a precious place; we have yet to find another place comparable to support life. Its resources and renewable capability has allowed an amazingly diverse ecosystem where life in all shapes has been able to prosper. However, the very resources required for Earth’s delicate balance to maintain such a hospitable place for life is under threat because of man’s actions for well over a century. We, as a species have exploited the ground we walk on, the air we breathe and the water we drink to such a degree that we now threaten every corner of the globe and every species (including ourselves) that lives upon this planet. Our need to industrialize and commercialize the world has distanced us dangerously from our need to live within the natural cycles of the earth. Because of this distance and complacency issues like climate change, biodiversity decline and resource shortage have come to call.

Few things can compare to the importance of water. Water is the central problem of the topic article and is illustrated as a wicked problem because of the complexity, fierce divided opinion of relevant players and resolutions that are complicated and limited, while impacting future management of the resource. Because of competing interest, improper management and infrastructure, lack of long term insight and populous growth, states like California face issues with water resources including periods of drought, flooding and priority allocation as water shortages and flooding begin to plague the nation. How best to deal with issues of water storage during periods of excess or flood conditions and preparing for lengthy periods of drought are some of the core issues of the debate between farmers, ecologists, environmentalist, residents, industry experts and residents. “Big decisions loom. What parts of California’s water system, the most elaborate in the world, need fixing the most? And how can it be done in a way that helps the state’s enormous farm economy, which uses huge amounts of water, without sacrificing the needs of its cities or the environment” (Gillis, J. (2015)).

Answers quickly offered towards resolution of this issue rely on previous methods that have worked in the past, simply build more dams. The problem many specialists argue is that the cost is high both monetarily and on the local ecology with far less yield water yield than farmers are anticipating. “Many independent experts, and almost all environmental groups, argue that dams would supply relatively little water for the money. They contend that Californians need to move aggressively to more modern methods of water management, reducing waste to a minimum and learning to live within the limits imposed by an arid environment” (Gillis, J. (2015)).

These previous practices are now considered poor and have forced years of over pumping from groundwater sources. To address the issue of over pumping local government officials were able to pass a law to limit the use of groundwater due to an increasing public awareness of water shortages and limited usages. While it is good practice, traditionally these measures have been met with much resistance from the agricultural industry, decrying it as putting “fish over farmers”. The reality of the newest effort is that the limits are not set to take place for another twenty five years and there is concern from expert opinion that the groundwater may be used up before then. While farmers have good reason to want the water now to support their crops, families and provide food for global communities, their practices and theories are antiquated and mirror a greater philosophy practiced beyond simply California that puts the present want over future need. Because of this problem, compounded with the staggering cost of changing methods and reevaluation of water shares, water will continue to be hotly debated and a clear solution becomes challenging as each side of the argument becomes further distanced and entrenched in their own version of the problem and shortsighted solution.

Without a doubt, California is facing a complex problem that requires full engagement, support and financial efforts to create long term solutions that work for all concerned parties. Inventive solutions including flooding lands during growing off seasons to restore aquifers, higher quality standards for reclaimed water so that it can be used for irrigation, wetland restoration and better management of water resources are a few of the areas that can help long term. However, farmers, policy makers and citizens have to realize that if no effort is made a water scarcity is the reality for the future. These efforts must be done in concert to work toward resolution that creates balance between demands of current needs and future capacity. Desalination of ocean water is another promising technology that is not mentioned in this article that may help to alleviate some water concern but will also have new consequence and consideration that are hotly debated.

For best case scenario, California should look toward water management in regions to the west of them and beyond the national borders. Consider that the oasis image of California built by the visionaries of the past is not the reality of the land of California. It is an arid land that should be treated that way. Water must be managed and considered as a precious resource. Practices that incorporate native landscape, water capture, storage, treatment and innovation need to become priorities. In addition farmers should have a responsibility to look at what can be grown responsibility in California and utilize technology that does not over water the crops. Water sheds and storm water need to be managed to avoid diverting excess flow into the ocean so it can be utilized. Partnerships and education programs should be utilized to inform about water sources, alternative methods and the current state of the water quality and supply. Diverse utilization of various sources of water needs to be implemented while reiteration of smart water usage, pollution prevention and water waste is addressed. The biggest area of concern is finding a way to stop fighting about the issues and work together for the solution. I would recommend public forums, education programs, and community engagement as portions of a plan toward development of water resource programs to deal with the complex wicked issue of water management and water usage for farmers and other concerned parties. “Local governments manage the majority of actual water quality and treatment” (Krasna, H. (2010)) pg. 125, but the greater community is responsible for usage. California may need to go towards an allocation system that prioritize based on usage and allows a withdraw rate for that usage. First priority would be water for drinking, then water for eating or food production and finally recreation, aesthetics and enjoyment. If water rations go to that extreme than water users and managers have failed their community and should be used as examples of methods of a failed program to learn and grow from in the future.

References:

Gillis, J. (2015, December 21). California Wants to Store Water for Farmers, but Struggles Over How to Do It.". Retrieved November 18, 2017, from https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/22/science/california-wants-to-store-water-for-farmers-but-struggles-over-how-to-do-it.html?_r=0

Krasna, H. (2010). Jobs That Matter; Find a Stable, Fullfilling Career in Public Service. Indianapolis, IN: JIST Works.