We often see life in a desert city like Phoenix, Las Vegas, Rajasthan, India, or Dubai in the United Arab Emirates as a testament to human innovation – a triumph over inhospitable landscapes. However, this victory comes at a surprising cost. Unbeknownst to many, these desert cities’ growth and excessive water use have had a global impact, quite literally tilting the Earth’s axis.
The cost of technological progress
Recent studies have brought a startling revelation: human activities, specifically in arid regions like the western US and northern India, have altered the Earth’s tilt by over 30 inches since the early 1990s. This shift is primarily due to groundwater extraction, a practice necessary to support burgeoning populations and agriculture in these areas.
Groundwater extraction refers to the process of removing water from the Earth’s subsurface, mostly from aquifers, to meet various needs, including agriculture, industrial operations, and urban use. It has proven vital for the desert cities’ survival, allowing them to bloom amidst harsh, arid conditions. However, the extraction rates have been unsustainable, leading to dramatic environmental repercussions.
Groundwater extraction impacts more than a single region
Groundwater extraction effectively moves massive volumes of water from underground reservoirs to the Earth’s surface. When used for agricultural or urban needs, the water often evaporates or, eventually, flows into the oceans. This large-scale transfer of mass from one part of the planet to another is substantial enough to affect the Earth’s weight distribution, causing the tilt shift.
Desert climates require more water than other environments. As cities in these arid climates continue to grow, their water consumption increases. And not all of their water consumption is to sustain the people living in these cities. In California, for example, outrageous amounts of water are used for farming. While this makes sense on the surface, a closer look reveals irresponsible choices.
California grows a substantial amount of the world’s almond supply, despite almond trees consuming outrageous amounts of water. Ironic, considering the state’s posturing as a leader in sustainable policies.
But the tilting Earth is only one part of the story. An equally pressing concern is that these desert cities’ excessive water use is also indirectly exacerbating global sea-level rise. As groundwater makes its way to the oceans, it contributes to their expanding volume – a problem that’s already pressing due to global warming and the melting polar ice caps.
Are there any solutions to excessive water consumption?
So, how should desert cities respond to these wide-reaching consequences of their water use, and what can be done to ensure a sustainable future?
Increasing the price of water or fines for water use is one potential solution. By doing so, cities could reduce excessive use and encourage more sustainable water management practices among residents and businesses. While this may initially seem harsh, it’s a practice that could make a significant difference in these arid regions’ water conservation efforts.
Another key measure involves controlling and limiting urban growth. While these cities’ expansion is often seen as a sign of economic progress, it’s also a primary driver behind the growing demand for groundwater. Adopting sustainable urban development strategies could strike a balance between growth and environmental responsibility. An easy start would be outsourcing damaging practices, like California’s almond farming, to other states.
Are desert cities a sign of progress or hubris?
The rise of desert cities presents a complicated issue. On one hand, it’s a testament to human resilience and innovation, transforming barren landscapes into thriving metropolises. On the other, it underscores our often overlooked impact on the Earth, even down to its very axis.
In an era marked by climate change and environmental challenges, it’s becoming increasingly clear that we must reassess our growth strategies and consumption practices. As desert cities continue to evolve, they have an opportunity – and a responsibility – to lead the way in sustainable water use and urban development. Through deliberate, informed actions, these cities can continue to thrive without tilting the world off balance.
