The snowpack in the Western United States is melting — and that means the water supply is disappearing, too.
The snowpack in the Western United States is melting — and that means the water supply is disappearing, too.
Water is a dynamic driver of life in the West. It creates hydroelectric power, sustains agricultural businesses, and keeps communities hydrated and healthy. Without water, life will change radically. 76 million people in the West depend on the water from the region’s snowpacks. If it’s gone, life will change not only for them, but for all of us.
Neighboring states will have to shell out water from their own reservoirs. Food prices will skyrocket. The entire landscape of the American West will be permanently transformed.
Unfortunately, that future is now bearing down on us, as the recent climate change-fueled megadrought has begun to illuminate. That’s why we cannot afford to lose any time in fighting back against the climate crisis. Losing a single election cycle to Republicans who refuse to act on climate could spell doom for the entire Western US’s way of life.
Acting now to address this water shortage crisis is not only urgent, but also overdue. If no action is taken, researchers at Berkeley Lab predict that snowpack could be reduced by as much as 79% by the end of the 21st century.
Just recently, SEEC members helped shepherd the Inflation Reduction Act across the finish line, which included historic investments in combating climate change as well as billions in drought resiliency measures for the parched Western US. But it’s clear we need even more targeted, comprehensive initiatives specifically designed to lower the rate at which world temperatures are rising. Otherwise, the entire Western US faces enormous loss.
The impact of the snowpack melt is already being felt. It’s up to us to support the people who can do something about this crisis and press for more action on climate change. Water will always be essential and vital, and protecting our store of it in the driest and hottest parts of the country is a non-negotiable priority.
Thanks to your help in 2020, SEEC PAC was able to re-elect over 95% of our pro-environment members to the U.S. House of Representatives — defying the odds on a night where Democrats lost seats. Now we are counting on you to help our SEEC members pass climate, clean energy and environmental justice policies in the 117th Congress while we undo the damage of the Trump Administration. But if you'd like to receive fewer emails, we understand. You can click here to only get our most important messages, or you can unsubscribe.
The Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Political Action Committee (SEEC PAC) is an organization that supports members in the U.S. House of Representatives and candidates who fight for clean energy, climate change solutions, environmental justice, and protection of our nation’s clean air, water, wildlife, and public lands. Will you make a donation to our fight today?
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