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    Oops! We Killed the Earth - America's Megadrought

    enOctober 17, 2021

    Podcast Summary

    • Building strong community connections during uncertain times and natural disastersNeighbor to Neighbor highlights the importance of relying on neighbors for social bonds and emergency preparedness. The American West faces a severe megadrought, exacerbated by climate change, causing mandatory water cuts and drying up major water sources. Building community and taking action can help mitigate the impact of these environmental challenges.

      Building strong community connections can make a significant difference in our lives, especially during uncertain times and natural disasters. Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer network, emphasizes the importance of relying on our neighbors to create meaningful social bonds and prepare for emergencies. Meanwhile, the American West is experiencing the worst drought since medieval times, which could have far-reaching consequences. This megadrought, fueled by human-caused climate change, has led to mandatory water consumption cuts and the drying up of major water sources, such as the Colorado River and Utah's Great Salt Lake. It's crucial to recognize the importance of community and take action to mitigate the impact of these environmental challenges. For more information on Neighbor to Neighbor, visit their website, and for insights on the drought crisis, stay tuned for more episodes of "Oops, We Killed the Earth."

    • Droughts in the Western US Affecting Water and Renewable EnergyThe ongoing droughts in the western US are causing water shortages and impacting renewable energy infrastructure, leading to potential power outages and the need for water conservation and alternative energy sources.

      The ongoing droughts in the western United States, which have been lasting for over two decades, have become a severe issue affecting not just water supply but also the renewable energy infrastructure. Utah's governor has declared a state of emergency and called for prayers and water conservation. The drought has led to shutdowns of hydroelectric plants in California and a decrease in hydropower output at Hoover Dam, impacting millions of people. These droughts go beyond wildfires and can cause power outages, making it essential to conserve water and consider alternative energy sources. The situation is critical, and the potential consequences, such as power outages in major cities like Las Vegas, are alarming.

    • California's drought: A national concern for food supplyCalifornia's historic drought impacts the entire nation by threatening the availability and affordability of over a third of the country's vegetables, two-thirds of its fruits and nuts, potentially leading to a shortage of produce and affecting everyday items.

      California's historic drought is not just an issue for the west, but a national concern. The lack of water in California, which produces over a third of the country's vegetables and two-thirds of its fruits and nuts, will impact the entire nation. Farmers are already being paid not to grow crops to save water, and the agricultural industry is feeling the strain. This not only affects the availability of food but also its affordability, as cattle ranchers are selling off herds due to the inability to feed them. The interconnectedness of America is evident, as the country relies on California for a significant portion of its food supply. The drought's severity could lead to a shortage of produce, potentially impacting everyday items like salads and even breakfast cereals. It's a reminder that the actions and consequences of one region can ripple across the entire country.

    • Exploring Recycled Water for Drinking in LALA aims to make recycled water safe for consumption by 2035 as a short-term solution to the ongoing drought, but addressing climate change is crucial to prevent future crises.

      The ongoing drought in certain areas, such as Los Angeles, is leading to drastic measures to ensure water supply for its residents. This includes exploring the possibility of recycling wastewater, like toilet water, for drinking purposes. The city's ambitious plan, known as Project Dasani, aims to make this water safe for consumption by 2035. However, this is a short-term solution, and addressing climate change remains crucial to prevent such crises in the future. The potential consequences of not taking action are far-reaching, affecting the way we eat, drink, and even power our homes. It's a serious issue that requires collective effort and a significant change in our lifestyles to protect our future. If we fail to act, we may have to adapt to uncomfortable situations, like drinking recycled water. While some may find this solution unappetizing, it's a necessary step in the face of a water crisis. It's important to stay informed and take action to help mitigate the effects of climate change.

    • Building strong community connectionsEmpower individuals to strengthen communities through neighborly help and emergency preparedness, or connect through entertainment like MTV's All Stars 4 podcast

      Building strong community connections is essential, especially in uncertain times. Bowen Yang introduced us to Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer network that believes the people living around us are our best resource for creating meaningful social bonds and preparing for emergencies. Through lending a helping hand to neighbors in need or standing together during natural disasters, Neighbor to Neighbor empowers individuals to strengthen their communities. Meanwhile, for those looking for entertainment and connection, the wait is over as MTV's official challenge podcast, All Stars 4, has returned. Listen to it on the Iheartradio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Overall, whether it's through community service or entertainment, connecting with others is vital for personal growth and preparedness.

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    Karthik Sekar, Ph.D is the author of After Meat: The Case for an Amazing Meat-Free World.

    He is a trained scientist and engineer. He finished his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of North Carolina, his PhD in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University, and a postdoctoral position in Systems Biology at ETH Zurich. He currently works on the front lines of the alternative food industry in the San Francisco Bay Area. Please visit www.aftermeatbook.com to learn more.

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