The US is in the Midst of a 20-Year Megadrought

Research has found that south-western United States is undergoing its second worst megadrought in 1,100 years. So far, the drought has lasted 20 years and provided favorable conditions for wildfires and water depletion within the region. Lake Mead and Lake Powell, two major water sources within the US that supplies millions of people with water, have undergone a massive decline since the drought began. Also, water from the Colorado River recently had to be rationed for the first time in history.

California have experienced stronger wildfires with greater durations in the last few years, partially as a consequence of the megadrought. In 2018, for instance, Paradise, a community in California, was practically erased by a fire tornado.

Research suggests that climate change is behind the current megadrought. Prior droughts have all occurred as a result of natural changes to the climate, but this one has been caused by human impact. Consequently, the current megadrought is worse than it would have been without climate change. Experts estimate that the drought could have been 30-50% less severe, if global warming was not a factor in its appearance.