Words by Tess Becker
Between ongoing droughts, wildfires, and a recent hurricane, California has been a poster child of the ongoing climate crisis, so it’s good news to hear that the state is nearly drought-free.
The storm added a much-needed late-summer drenching following the winter’s record-setting rainfall. Together they nearly wiped out the drought.
“Most of that lingering drought ... has been essentially removed from the Mojave Desert,” said David Simeral, a climatologist at the Desert Research Institute, who mapped the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update.
Now the state is collecting and utilizing all the excess rainwater runoff in order to strengthen the state against future droughts.
“In a perfect world, we should have captured a lot more than 10,000 acre-feet because of Hilary,” said Art Castro, a watershed manager for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. “But because of the limitations of our infrastructure ... we weren't able to maximize that potential.”
Even with that in mind, this is still good news. California has been wracked with droughts for years and it finally coming to an end is a good sign.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund. This organization helps support underrepresented and underfunded Black, indigenous, and women of color-led organizations across the world. Find out more and support them here.
Florida Bicycle Association. An organization that helps mobilize people and promote greener living and safer biking. Find out more.
Collective Sun. They help nonprofits get outfitted with solar power capabilities. Check them out here.
