Parched
Current global drought conditions (Standard Precipitation Index)
EDITOR’S NOTE
The U.S. West is in the midst of a two-decade-long megadrought, the most extreme in at least 1,200 years. Other regions around the world are experiencing similar periods of extreme dryness. Reservoirs and snowpacks are at dangerously low levels. Hydroelectric facilities are at risk of shutting down. Cities are facing water shortages. And ecosystems are parched, raising the risk of wildfires and ecological damage. But amid all this chaos, there are also innovative solutions, policies, and technologies being tested to adapt to this drier future. Follow Grist as it delves into all aspects of drought — and sign up for our weekly newsletter.
In This Series
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![The high water line of Lake Mead near water intakes on the Arizona side of Hoover Dam]()
![The high water line of Lake Mead near water intakes on the Arizona side of Hoover Dam]()
The West’s biggest source of renewable energy depends on water. Will it survive the drought?
Glen Canyon and the Hoover Dam are “not the whole story.”
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![A woman walks along the shore of the Salton Sea in Southern California]()
![A woman walks along the shore of the Salton Sea in Southern California]()
How California’s Salton Sea went from vacation destination to toxic nightmare
And why the shrinking lake might be key to meeting America's clean energy goals.
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The rebirth of Hiware Bazar
How a drought-stricken community in India became a “village of millionaires”
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In Oregon, farmers are revamping century-old irrigation canals to stem water loss
Converting irrigation ditches into pipelines can save water — and create a new source of renewable energy.
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Historic famine looms as drought grips East Africa
Four failed rainy seasons and supply chain disruptions threaten millions with food insecurity.
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Northeast drought endangers Massachusetts’ cranberry harvest
Another year of erratic weather means cranberry farmers are facing slim margins and tough decisions.
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![Coachella Canal]()
![Coachella Canal]()
Parched California prepares for first-ever Colorado River cuts
An emerging deal would cut water deliveries to Southern California — but fall far short of federal demands.
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![An elderly man with a walker stands in front of large power line on a sunny, clear skies day.]()
![An elderly man with a walker stands in front of large power line on a sunny, clear skies day.]()
As heat wave grips Western states, officials warn of blackouts
The ongoing drought was already hitting electricity generation.
