Change the Trajectory

$91 million. That's no number to laugh at. Actually, that's how much the US Forest Service has spent so far in fighting the King Fire.

Recent rain in Northern California has helped firefighters contain the massive wildfire in recent days. Yet while damper weather has helped firefighters lately, drier and warmer weather is just around the corner. And that means the region will once again be at risk for more wildfires.

And that's not all. Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River have been drying up throughout the summer.



While Lake Tahoe hasn't reached a record low just yet, it's too close for comfort.



However down south, Lake Mead has fallen to a record low water level. This means Southern Nevada is perilously close to a new round of water cuts. And this may not even be the end of it. In fact, this may only be the start of a prolonged "megadrought" for the entire Southwest region.



Any guesses as to what's making this painful drought into a perilous "megadrought"? If you guessed climate change, you're likely correct. A recent Stanford University study funded by the National Science Foundation just confirmed what we've been fearing.

Earlier this month, Cornell University, the University of Arizona, and the US Geological Survey released a study showing how nearly the entire West, along with the southern Great Plains states, Texas, and Louisiana, are all at great risk of an extended megadrought going forward due to climate change. Scared yet? We should be.

We also need to realize what we must do to both adapt to this new reality and prevent our own extinction. It may be "radical", but it's pretty much our only hope. Global carbon emissions just hit a new record high. We must change this trajectory, or else the $91 million spent fighting the King Fire will soon be a mere drop in the bucket.

Radical Change

It's still dry out here. Sure, we've occasionally had storms drop some rain on us. However, we're still operating on a serious precipitation deficit.

And it's not over yet. Far from it, Nevada will likely endure another year of drought. This drought has caused a world of trouble for Nevada and the entire West. And it now looks like we must prepare for another year of Lake Mead & Lake Tahoe shrinking while wildfires burn across the state.

It's become increasingly undeniable that climate change is taking its toll on Nevada along with the rest of the world. So why aren't more people making noise?

But wait, there actually were about 400,000 people making noise in New York City on Sunday. And that was just one of the People's Climate March events happening in over 150 nations this week. And yet, you may not have even heard about it until now.



So why did the Sunday talk shows only barely mention this? After all, it was happening in their own back yard.

Even though many media pundits continue to ignore the perils of climate change, a number of captains of industry are now speaking up and making change happen. This isn't some "fringe movement". This is a very real statement on a very real threat to all of us.



As they always do, the usual G-O-TEA suspects were trashing last weekend's march while decrying "the radical left" for demanding "radical change". But you know what? If we want to survive, we must embrace radical change and do so soon. Hell, most American voters are now realizing this. So why shouldn't we start implementing the radical changes we need to save ourselves and our children's future on this planet?



This week, the United Nations is holding another climate summit. This time, it's in New York. And this is why we're seeing so much direct action in New York this week.



It's amazing that roughly 400,000 people took to the streets of Manhattan on Sunday demanding climate action. And it's amazing to think a number of those people are staying for further actions. However, this is not enough. They can't be the only ones to act.

Ultimately, we must all act. And yes, we must all begin making radical changes soon. We can't afford to delay any longer. If we need any further reason to act, all we must do is open the door.

The Heat Is On

It's been awfully hot outside lately. In fact, records were broken yesterday. Fallon, Yerington, & Lovelock all broke their previous respective record highs when they all hit 105 yesterday. And Reno hit a new record high of 103 yesterday.



Hmmm... Why does this seem so familiar? Perhaps this is because Nevada has been stuck in a perpetual heatwave and drought for over a decade? What might possibly be causing this extended hot & dry spell? (Hint: Think climate change.)

Last week, the Koch funded Heartland Institute hosted a climate denial "climate optimists'" convention at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip. There, they dismissed their own record of climate denial talk of "denial" and "disaster" so they could instead turn up the happy talk on how "there's no way we could do that much damage to this great planet with our puny little carbon emissions". And of course, they reaffirmed their belief that we're better off "staying the course" with dirty fossil fuels than accelerating the switch to renewable energy.

Hmmm... Why does this sound so familiar? Might it be due to the fact that the Heartland Institute is part of the Koch-topus that's out to kill clean energy? And might it be due to the fact that the Heartland Institute also received plenty of funding from the (rest of the) fossil fuel industry?



Even a number of conservatives have come around to accept both the science of climate change and the need for climate action. Despite their "libertarian populist" rhetoric, the Heartland Institute and its "TEA" powered ideological soulmates are increasingly isolated in their hardened opposition to any & all climate action. Most Americans support President Obama's climate action plan. And the more evidence we see of climate change, the more reasons we have to act.

Lake Mead is about to hit a record low water level. Reno just hit a new record high temperature. And wildfire season began awfully early this year. Shouldn't we take notice?

We recognize Nevada tends to be quite hot during summer... But we're not used to this much heat. And we're certainly not used to this much drought. We simply can't afford to deny the reality outside, the reality that may just parch us and scorch us to death if we don't take further action.

Giant Wakeup Call

Nearly a year ago, it was in flames. And its smoke darkened the Las Vegas Valley below. The Carpenter 1 Fire was a frighteningly giant wakeup call for Southern Nevada.

Our state, along with the rest of the America. West, has been stuck in drought for several years. And with the land hotter and drier than ever before, it's become ideal ground for epic wildfires. Even today, Mount Charleston was placed at high risk for another wildfire.



As the drought worsens and the heat reaches record levels, we're left wondering how many more startling signs we must notice before we take further action on climate change. How many more wildfires must burn? How much more drought must we endure?



President Obama's climate action program will aid in curbing this and other effects of climate change. However, we can't stop here. We need further action just to avoid the worst case scenario.



Nevada's economy depends on our terrain. Las Vegas & Reno depend on tourism. The rural areas depend on farming & ranching. The entire state depends on the little amount of water we receive in precipitation every year.



While some question the cost of robust climate action and others question the very existence of climate change, all the "TEA" fueled deniers are missing the giant wakeup call outside. Go ahead and step outside. Feel the heat, and feel the dry.



It's real. It's happening. And we can no longer deny it. It's our giant wakeup call. Are we now ready to jump out of bed and take action?

30%

We've been waiting for this. We've been waiting for something to happen. But finally, finally, it's about to happen.

So what's about to happen? 30% by 2030, that's what. Today, the EPA announced a new rule requiring power plants reduce their carbon emissions by 30% (below 2005 levels) by 2030.



This is a big deal. 32% of overall carbon emissions come from power plants, so this new rule will target a key source of the greenhouse gases that are fueling climate change.

But is it big enough? 2005 was a peak year for carbon emissions, so we're already close to halfway to this goal before this new rule is even implemented. At least some environmentalists were expecting more. And despite the howls of anger from certain "TEA" tinged circles, the new rules are remarkably frugal and business friendly.

We've pointed this out numerous times before. We're already experiencing the effects of climate change now. The evidence is already mounting. And action is sorely needed.

While today's new EPA rule is not a panacea, it's a major first step that must be taken in order to form a comprehensive plan to tackle climate change. This is the fulfillment of a promise President Obama made nearly a year ago to take serious climate action. And contrary to the alarms of the "TEA" powered naysayers, the new EPA rule can actually give our economy a boost.

But of course, more must be done. Our climate and economy can benefit from more investment in renewable energy. And better energy efficiency standards can negate the need more fossil fuels.

More must be done... By Congress, the states, municipalities, and ultimately by all of us. This truly is an "all hands on deck" situation. But at least now, President Obama is steering this ship in a cleaner & greener direction. 30% by 2030 may not be a panacea, but it's a good start to journey to 100% effective climate action.

Survival

Whatever you do, don't look behind the curtain. Don't notice the melting Antarctic Ice Sheet. Don't pay attention to the record heat. Don't bother examining the ongoing drought.

G-O-TEA politicians continue to deny the increasingly frightening reality of climate change. For them, it's about pandering to the 21st Century Know Nothings who comprise their political base. For them, it's all about political survival.



But for many in California, they're simply concerned about human survival. Last week, over 20,000 people were evacuated as wildfires emerged near Los Angeles and San Diego. We even saw a "firenado" form last week.



And it's not just California. Closer to home, the Hunter Falls Fire has burning in the Mount Rose wilderness area near Reno. It's now 47% contained. And while it may be fully contained by Friday, it's meant a rather early kickoff to Northern Nevada's wildfire season.

For many "TEA" flavored politicians & media personalities, climate change is merely a "distraction" from the pressing haute faux scandals of the day. But for those of us who have experienced wildfires, drought, and other effects of climate change, it's about survival. It's about our survival. It's about the survival of the human race.

Keep this in mind next time you see a "TEA" tinged politician engage in climate denial. They may be worried about their own near term political survival... But we need to be more concerned about longer term human survival.

Who Expects This?

We were wondering when more folks would notice. Sure, Cliven Bundy became "old news" for national media pundits when he was revealed to be a racist fool. But for the poor residents of Bunkerville & Mesquite, the armed madness continued even after the national media cameras left.

But at least now, Salon's Paul Rosenberg is noticing. And even better, he put together the timeline of what's happened at #BundyRanch since the national media spotlight dimmed. That helps those who haven't been keeping up with the story here.

Yet now, the media spotlight seems to be returning... Or has #BundyRanch just moved to where the national media spotlight is now?



Remember when we discussed "Operation American Spring"? That's actually about to begin tomorrow. The "Patriot Movement" is hoping to take the mayhem it's unleashed on Nevada & Utah all the way to DC.

Meanwhile on this end of the continent, Gun Owners of America Director Larry Pratt is still encouraging the Bundy Gang to do whatever they can to stop federal authorities from enforcing federal law. And not only that, but he's proposing a nifty solution to the Great Western Drought: Just have California's county sheriffs point guns at federal officials to make them release water that California no longer has!



Wow. That makes plenty of sense. (/not)

But then again, none of this really does. Who expects local law enforcement agencies to prevent other law enforcement agencies from enforcing the law? Who expects 10 million people to descend upon the DC area to overthrow our duly elected government? Who expects license to trespass upon the American people's land without facing any consequences?

Who expects this? And who condones this? Think about it.

Hot Scandal

Ready for some hot, hot, hot #Benghazi action? House Speaker John Boehner (R-Benghazi) most certainly is. And he doesn't care whether or not Democrats come along for the ride. He just wants to get his Benghazi on, baby!

Yet while he and the rest of his G-O-TEA acolytes (cough- Joe Heck -cough) prepare to take their Benghazimania to the next level, the rest of the nation keeps wondering why they're losing their s**t over this.



And why are they losing their s**t over this and not the greatest global security threat of our time? Why is it "overreaching" to talk about the very real threats posed by climate change?



While House Republicans are losing their s**t over a hashtag and some half-baked conspiracy theories, the rest of us are being scared s**tless by real life. And by real life, we mean the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. We've known for some time that the ice in Antarctica is melting faster than we're accustomed to. But now, we have confirmation that s**t is about to get awfully real far sooner than we had expected.

And no, we're not talking about "abstract models". We're talking about real life. We're talking about what we're already experiencing now. We're talking about our own future.

While G-O-TEA politicians obsess over their new favorite haute faux scandal, a very real scandal is unfolding before our eyes. This scandal is so real that the US Defense Department is now preparing for future climate relayed national security threats. What else do G-O-TEA politicians need to realize the actual hot scandal emerging just outside their front door?

For us here in Nevada, the Great Western Drought is already taking its toll. And for many other parts of the nation, this scandal has already reached a furious boiling point. So why can't Congress start investigating (and more importantly, acting upon) this very real & very hot scandal?

Full Circle

We're approaching that time again. A number of important bills are sitting somewhere in the dark corners of various House Committees. Yet instead of actually working on those or other meaningful bills, House Republican "leaders" are instead...

Wait for it...



Benghazi, Benghazi, Benghazi!

Oh, yes. That's right. They're going there... Yet again.

In September 2012, an American consulate in Libya was attacked. Four people lost their lives. Numerous investigations have already been made since then, along with recommendations on how to improve embassy security. Yet despite their blustering accusations and numerous investigations, Congressional Republicans have never found any truth to their accusations.

In late 2012, Mitt Romney reduced it to a cheap political attack. And in 2014, House Republicans want to reduce it even further, down to a mere farcical hashtag. It's become quite clear what many Republican politicians on Capitol Hill plan to do with #Benghazi.

However, there is an interesting twist to this story. House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) selected Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-South Carolina) (sorry, Joe Heck) to lead his #Benghazi fishing expedition witch hunt media circus "Select Committee". And while Speaker Boehner probably didn't intend to do this, he actually gave us a chance to talk about the real scandal on Capitol Hill with his choice for this committee investigating a sad tragedy that he's politicized into a haute faux scandal.

So why are we talking about some House Member from South Carolina? Before Rep. Gowdy became famous for this #Benghazi committee, he was best known for his successful "TEA" fueled primary challenge to then Rep. Bob Inglis. He and his "TEA" powered allies hit Inglis on several issues, but they probably hit hardest on Inglis' support for some sort of action on climate change.

So now, we're coming around full circle... Or at least Trey Gowdy is. He attacked Bob Inglis for daring to admit that we must do something about climate change. And now, he's attacking President Obama and Hillary Clinton in hopes of damaging them politically... And distracting us from real problems such as climate change.



The National Climate Assessment was released by The White House earlier today. It details the dangers we face if we don't take further action. And it points out how Nevada and the rest of the nation are already feeling the effects of climate change now.

So we've come around full circle. G-O-TEA media spinners are attacking President Obama for taking action on climate change instead of succumbing to their latest partisan witch hunt. And they're jumping into a full circle jerk over Trey Gowdy's new "Shade-ful Committee". And they're excited about a committee devoted to waste taxpayer dollars on a partisan witch hunt. Oh, and the guy who's in charge of this committee won a seat in Congress in the first place because he bashed an incumbent Republican for daring to admit the truth about climate change.

So just what was Speaker Boehner thinking when he named Trey Gowdy to chair this committee?

We're Fracked?!

We've been talking quite a lot about land policies in one corner of Southern Nevada. Yet while we were focused on that part of the state, some huge news dropped in another part of the state. In one corner of Northern Nevada, fracking has already begun.

Wait, what?! Yes, fracking has already begun in Elko County. Noble Energy is now fracking on mostly private land just outside Wells, but it now has approval to frack on some BLM land nearby as well. And thanks to SB 390, the fracking regulations bill passed by the Nevada Legislature last year, it's legal.



It's already been making waves in Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Texas, and elsewhere. And now, fracking is happening in our state.

We've already become familiar with the more upfront dangers of fracking. However, there's an even greater danger that we simply can't ignore.



Noble Energy is fracking for oil. Noble Energy is risking contaminating the entire water supply for that area to extract fossil fuels from the ground. Noble Energy is extracting fossil fuels that worsen climate change.

Remember climate change? It just happens to be the greatest global security threat of our time. And Rural Nevada is already feeling it.

Nevada is already experiencing a rather serious drought. We can't afford to waste water. And we especially can't afford to waste water on extracting fossil fuels that are endangering our future.

Denial & Distractions

Last month, we witnessed a rather gruesome death. It was the death of the sterling reputation of "60 Minutes", CBS News' flagship Sunday "news" program. When it aired a segment on "The Cleantech Crash", actual renewable energy experts were left wondering how such a (once) lauded institution of journalism could get the story so damned wrong.

Perhaps we now have the answer. Was "60 Minutes" just trying to compete for the "Fox News" audience? Last weekend, we saw Fox's trademark idiocy "journalism" on display when it brought up climate change.



Oh, yes. That's right. "Fox News" went there... Yet again.

And that's not all. While "Fox News Sunday" was trying to spin away climate change, NBC News' "Meet the Press" hosted a debate between "Science Guy" Bill Nye and (anti-science) Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee). And when host David Gregory pressed Blackburn on climate policy, she unleashed this "pearl of wisdom".

"David, one of the things we have to remember is cost/benefit analysis has to take place. … And it is unfortunate that some of the federal agencies are not conducting that cost/benefit analysis. They’re focused on the outcome. … Now, you know, when you look at the social cost of carbon, and there is a lot of ambiguity around that, what you also need to be doing is looking at the benefits of carbon and what that has on increased agricultural production."

Really, Rep. Blackburn? Clearly, she doesn't know how it's affected agriculture here in Nevada. Hint: It hasn't helped. And now that the Southern Nevada Water Authority is doubling down on its quest for the Snake Valley Pipeline to quench Southern Nevada's thirst, Rural Nevada's farmers & ranchers have even more to worry about as water supplies dwindle throughout the state.

And then, there's the ever worsening California Drought. There's perhaps no more frightening sign of what unchecked climate change will unleash on us than the ongoing drought that risks turning "The Golden State" into "The Barren State". And Marsha Blackburn wants us to believe there are "benefits of carbon" pollution?

The "Dust-Bowlification" we're witnessing throughout The West is very real... And very dangerous. And it serves as another reminder of the severe consequences we face if we don't properly address the real challenge of climate change.

This is the time for solutions. This is not the time for distractions. And we're long past the time of denial. It's just horrifying to see how so many media pundits and "TEA" flavored politicians continue feeding their delusions with more denial & distractions.

Feeling the Dry

Feeling dry lately? Haven't we all? It's not a coincidence.

And we're far from alone. Sao Paulo, Brazil's & South America's most populous city, is enduring its worst drought in 50 years. Meanwhile in Iran, the water level of the Middle East's largest lake has dropped 95% in the past 20 years. In Northeast India, the increasing frequency of drought now threatens its famous Tea industry. And coming dangerously close to home, California's epic drought may turn out to be the worst the state has experienced in 500 years as farm crops and urban water supplies throughout the state are feeling the burn (and the dry).

Of course, we're also feeling the dry right here. Rural Nevada has been enduring a rather harsh drought for some time now. Yet as the powers that be in Southern Nevada become increasingly worried about the Las Vegas Valley's water supply, they're renewing calls to build the Snake Valley Pipeline to divert water from an already parched region. Tensions are already mounting high in Nevada and elsewhere in the US, and those tensions show no sign of letting up any time soon.

Yet in some corners of Capitol Hill, the usual suspects want to continue denying reality. And not only that, but they're also trying to prevent meaningful action to take on the increasingly obvious threat of climate change. Some are even going as far as claiming that "Noah's Ark" is "proof" that climate change isn't a big deal.

We wonder if they'd dare to say such nonsense directly to the faces of people who have suffered from recent floods, drought, or other forms of extreme weather as of late. If they need any more real proof of the real danger of the climate crisis, they can take a peek at those fast glaciers of Greenland... Or just notice the interest groups waging epic political battles in California & Nevada over dwindling water supplies.

We're all feeling the dry here. It's why we're now so thirsty. But if we truly want to quench that thirst for the long term, we must look beyond "quick fix solutions" that don't truly fix our long term problems. We must finally deal with what's making us so damned dry (while simultaneously drying or flooding other parts of the world) in the first place.

Convergence: Green Edition

We can't help but think of how we've already started the new year. We've been talking about space exploration & scientific research (& how austerity screws up both), "The Cleantech Crash" that only exists on "60 Minutes", and Southern Nevada Water policy. OK, so what? How do all these topics converge?

Here's the answer: climate change. Yes, climate change is happening. Yes, it's settled science. And yes, we really need to do something about it ASAP.

Never mind the latest fad of Polar Vortex TEA trolling. Wintry weather does not mean the end of climate change. In fact, 2013 may turn out to be the 7th hottest year on record. And the trend going forward is at least as disturbing.

Meanwhile on Capitol Hill, the G-O-TEA run House has gone out of its way to try to undermine efforts to curb climate change. Never mind that this anti-environment crusade does nothing #4jobs and has no chance of getting past the Senate (let alone President Obama). The TEA drinking party animals there would rather celebrate their "ideological purity" than do anything productive.

And speaking of productive, let's talk about Goldman Sachs' decision to abandon a 49% stake in a plan to build the West Coast's largest coal terminal. Finally, Goldman Sachs is starting to take its own advice. And it's not alone. More and more major banks are pledging not to finance new coal power projects. This may be due to coal becoming less cost effective and the trend of municipalities ditching coal and other fossil fuels for cleaner energy. We just wonder when "60 Minutes" will do a segment on "The Coal tech Crash".

With climate change becoming an unavoidable reality and renewable energy becoming an irresistible business opportunity, now is the perfect time to act. So why can't we? Why shouldn't we?

We've discussed this before, but we might as well bring it up again now. Here in Nevada, we've seen both the promise of action and the perils of inaction. Anyone who still wants to deny reality should come here and get a real taste of it. And in the mean time, we can only hope the progress we see here will eventually encourage a big, green solution for the entire nation.

Dry, Bitter Fruit

This morning, I saw something very troubling in the RGJ. It's not even spring yet, and the BLM is already warning Northern Nevada ranchers of the dry summer ahead.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management officials said it’s possible drought conditions could again force the removal of livestock or temporary closure of grazing allotments on some federal land in Nevada this summer.

The agency’s Elko District Office has released an environmental assessment detailing how it plans to respond to varied range conditions, and has asked grazing permit holders to meet with BLM staff to assess range conditions before turning out livestock.

BLM officials said while recent storms have slightly improved range conditions in a few areas, the entire state remains unusually dry. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 60 percent of Nevada was in severe or extreme drought conditions as of Jan. 1.

Last year, the Elko district worked with ranchers to adjust their livestock operations in line with reduced forage due to the drought.

According to the BLM, forage remains of poor quality, and many water sources are drier than usual, putting more pressure on other water sources by all users, including wildlife and wild horses, and causing long-lasting damage to plants, spring areas and water quality.

“The Elko district may recommend these actions (for ranchers) again this year,” BLM spokeswoman Lesli Ellis said in a statement. “These adjustments could include delaying turn-out, adjusting grazing numbers or in some cases taking substantial non-use.”

I hate to say it, but I told you so. And more importantly, scientists have been warning us for decades on this coming crisis. And now, we're starting to pay the price for past inaction.

In the past 30 years, Arctic sea ice volume has plummeted. And in the same period of time, we've seen far more extreme weather. We can no longer deny the crisis at our doorstep.

This is why climate activists across the country called for an end to the Keystone XL nonsense and a new start on climate action. At least some on Capitol Hill actually paid attention. But ultimately, both protestors and some Members of Congress are calling on President Obama to act if Congress can't.

“Go ahead, start acting on these issues,” Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) urged President Obama in a Friday phone interview with TPM. “[I]f he moves forward in a broad array of measures, that will encourage industry to push the Republicans to legislate. But I don’t think we should have a waiting game for Congress to act or for industries to push Congress. We’ve been in a waiting game for decades … it’s like cutting off your nose to spite your face.” [...]

“The EPA is required to regulate carbon emissions under the Clean Air Act,” Waxman said. “They’ve already proposed a rule to limit the pollution from new power plants, and they could also issue regulations dealing with existing power plants, as well as oil refineries. The Department of Energy can issue efficiency standards for household appliances. That would deal with greenhouse gases as well as saving consumers a lot of money.”

In addition, President Obama has the final word on Keystone. He can turn down that boondoggle and get the ball rolling on real climate denial.

When it comes to regulating carbon emissions, the EPA now has the authority to do so. President Obama has been waiting for Congress to do something first. But if Congress keeps doing nothing, he and the EPA will ultimately have to step up.

Again, we're already seeing the real and dangerous effects of climate change. If we fail to act soon, this will indeed become a devastating crisis. If we fail to act, we only threaten our very existence as a human race.

We're already beginning to bear the ugly, bitter fruit of inaction here in Nevada. We can't afford any more.

Nope, The Climate Crisis Isn't Going Away

(Also at OC Progressive)

Now I know the corporate media haven't been talking about it lately, but just because they're not talking about it doesn't mean it's not happening. Rather, it's quite dangerous that it's falling under the radar. Believe it or not, the climate crisis is getting worse.

Global warming has melted glaciers in the United States at a rapid and accelerating rate over the last half-century, increasing drought risks and contributing to rising sea levels, the federal government will report today based on data from a 50-year study of glaciers in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

Federal officials say the study includes the longest records of glacial melt recorded in North America.

The U.S. Geological Survey study focuses on three glaciers, the Wolverine and Gulkana in Alaska and the South Cascade Glacier in Washington, which are known as "benchmark glaciers" because their varying climates and elevations are representative of thousands of other glaciers across the continent.

The Gulkana and Wolverine glaciers have both lost about 15% of their mass since the mid-1950s, the data show. The South Cascade Glacier has lost nearly a quarter of its mass.

The shrinking glaciers clearly result from global warming, federal researchers say.

"There is no doubt that most mountain glaciers are shrinking worldwide in response to a warming climate," USGS scientist Edward Josberger said in a written statement. "Measuring changes in glacier mass provides direct insight to the link between glaciers and climate."

And if that isn't bad enough, there's worse news closer to home. As the San Joaquin Valley literally dries up and sinks lower, California's water crisis worsens.

How critical is this issue? Well, let's start with what we know:

• The Valley floor is sinking. Because we have taken too much water from the groundwater supply, the San Joaquin Valley has actually fallen several feet in some areas. The picture to the right is from Mendota back in 1977. It has gotten worse since. The USGS performed a study on subsidence back in 1999 showing some really bad side effects other than just the lowering valley floor. After the floor falls, the aquifer permanently loses storage capacity, making the provisioning of water to crops even more difficult.

• Crops are dying in the fields. In some places, farmers are simply leaving their feilds fallow as there is not enough water to bring them to maturity. However, where you have longstanding crops, like fruit trees, the consequences of a couple really bad water years last much longer.

• Endangered species are being slowly killed off in the Delta. The Delta was once home to a number of species found nowhere else. However, as we have increasingly relied on pumping, we have not only killed many of them as they went through our pumps, we have also changed the salinity of the Delta, creating a slight, but important, change in the environment.

• The decreasing water flows to our creeks and rivers threatens our fisheries.

• Climate change will bring increased flooding and droughts.

• Apparently people need water to survive in cities. [...]

But one thing that should be made clear to every Californian is that water is prescious [sic]. We should not waste a single drop. Despite the fact that consumer usage accounts for only around 20% of overall usage, we need to ensure that we aren't using more than we absolutely need. While water is a fundamental right of living, and should be kept cheap, we should understand just how much value it truly has. One of the bills in this package, AB 49 would require 20% conservation from all users. This is a laudable goal as we move forward into a changing climate.

Fortunately, we have some good people in Washington and at the state level proposing real climate solutions. Already in the California State Senate, Democrats are working on a package of legislation to take on the emerging water crisis. We've seen some progress here in Nevada, and hopefully we'll see more in the next two years. And of course, the US Senate will be taking on the Waxman-Markey climate bill this fall. It is quite critical that we take action at the local, state, and federal levels to address the climate crisis and how it is already affecting us.

Yes, believe it or not, we're already feeling it. Notice the more wild swings in temperature? The extremely hot days? The extremely cold nights? The continuing depletion of our water supply? The increasing frequency of major wildfires?

Yes, we're already seeing the climate crisis take hold. That's why it's crucial that we take action now to prevent the climate crisis from worsening much further. Hopefully, that's what we'll soon see.