Parched California
Heather Cooley, Water Program Co-director, The Pacific Institute
Brandon Goshi, Manager of Water Policy and Strategy, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Lester Snow, Executive Director, California Water Foundation
Bob Wilkinson, Adjunct Associate Professor, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara
At the end of spring, before dry season was even set to start, record-breaking wildfires raged in Southern California. In August, the Rim fire grew larger than the city of Chicago and threatened San Francisco’s electricity and water supplies. This parched state is affecting everyone, whether fires reach their doorsteps or not.
Meanwhile, the declining Sierra snowpack and erratic rain patterns raise serious questions about slaking the thirst of California's growing population. Solutions include improved water efficiency, new methods of rainwater capture and storage, and even controversial measures such as toilet-to-tap and desalination. Balancing urban, rural, residential and commercial claims on water could be a new flashpoint in the state’s legendary water wars. During a climate shift that will only worsen summer dry conditions, how can Californians prepare for the future?
Join us for a discussion on California’s statewide water outlook in an era of climate disruption.
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. check-in, 6 p.m. program, 7 p.m. networking reception
Cost: $20 non-members, $12 members, $7 students
Also know: The speakers and audience will be videotaped for future broadcast on the Climate One TV show on KRCB TV 22 on Comcast and DirecTV. This program is generously underwritten by the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation and the Pisces Foundation.