Introduction
Nowadays, ecological issues are becoming more and more significant. Human activities, as well as rapid technological development, lead to drastic changes in the environment all over the world, and the United States of America is not an exception. The country has to deal with deforestation, air pollution, loss of biodiversity, and more. All of these processes have a huge impact on local flora and fauna. Specifically, California faces such ecological issues as water shortage and drought, which dramatically affect local biodiversity.
Main body
To begin with, there is a variety of reasons for this threat. First, according to the website Climate Signals beta, climate change and, particularly, long-lasting high temperatures, as well as rare precipitations reduced the amount of groundwater (Nexus). The soil was not watered enough, and it caused dehydration for the plants. Also, David Colgan claims that the other reason for the water shortage is the increasing population (Colgan). The more people live in the State, the more natural resources they need.
Without any doubt, lack of water influences regional ecosystems. For example, as Frederic Beaudry states when the territory faces this issue, it leads to lethal results for invasive inhabitants, especially for those already endangered (Beaudry). Therefore, settled animals have to move, and it might be difficult for them to find another place to live so it can cause their eventual extinction. Mainly, it refers to fish and some types of plants. Besides, it is necessary to mention that extreme scarcity in aqua supplies might enhance fires, and, therefore, ground and crops damages. Deforestation affects flora and fauna in those areas, and the consequence of that might be a ruined ecosystem.
However, the US government is putting a tremendous amount of effort to protect wildlife. It provides substantial funding, creates special programs that regulate the use of water, and it also protects endangered species that reside in wetlands. Last but not least, State administrative officials tend to achieve excellent results in preparation for future droughts.
Conclusion
To conclude, the huge problem with water shortages in California cannot be overrated. The results of the issue might often be dangerous and irreversible. However, even though the outcomes are serious, there are a lot of ways to change the situation. That would require both increases of awareness among citizens as well as huge support from the government. Only the combination of these two factors will let citizens end up with sustainable development and planet conservation.
Works Cited
- Beaudry, Frederic. “The Environmental Effects of California Drought.” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 2018. Web.
- Colgan, David. “California ‘Browning’ More in the South during Droughts.” Phys.org, 2019. Web.
- Nexus, Climate. “California Drought 2011 – 2016.” Climate Signals, 2018.