PLANNING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE INLAND EMPIRE: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

摘要

Water managers across the United States (U.S.) are currently grappling with how to address climate change in their near-term and long-term plans. Traditionally, water planners have assumed that historical weather patterns will persist into the future. With growing recognition of climate change, however, water managers are beginning to seek methods for incorporating such changes in their planning processes. Warmer temperatures are likely to increase water demand as farmers and homeowners resort to more irrigation to keep their crops healthy and lawns green. Changing precipitation patterns may lead already arid regions, such as Southern California, to face even drier conditions and reduced local river and stream flows. The reliability of imported supplies also is likely to be threatened due to hydrologic changes in source regions. Finally, changes in weather patterns may impact local aquifer budgets and reduce the amount of ground water that may be sustainably extracted to meet water needs.