Farmers and ranchers in the Southwestern U.S. face challenges due to human-induced atmospheric warming
Farmers and ranchers in the Southwestern U.S. face challenges due ... The UCSB Current
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The Impact of Abnormally Dry Weather on the Southwest
The Southwest region heavily relies on vegetation, but the abnormally dry weather is forcing its inhabitants to consider purchasing fodder. Unfortunately, the prices for fodder could be affected by the ongoing dry conditions. This has significant implications for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to climate action, sustainable cities and communities, and life on land.
Real-Life Impacts of Vapor Pressure Deficits
Lead author Emily Williams, who conducted this research as a doctoral student at UCSB before moving to UC Merced for postdoctoral research, emphasizes that vapor pressure deficits have tangible consequences for people. Insufficient water and poor forage are some of the challenges faced by communities in the Southwest. It is important to note that the communities most affected, such as tribal communities with a long-standing connection to the land, are particularly vulnerable and have contributed the least to human-driven climate change. This highlights the need to address climate change and its impacts on marginalized groups as part of the SDGs.
The Four Corners Region: A Parched Landscape
Despite the predicted increase in rain brought by the El Niño system, the Four Corners region in the Southwest is expected to remain dry. According to expert Funk, the link between the Four Corners summer monsoon and the El Niño Southern Oscillation is weak. The recent inadequate summer monsoon failed to provide sufficient moisture to the area, and the abnormal heat, particularly in Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona, has exacerbated the effects of vapor pressure deficits. As a result, Arizona and New Mexico are still facing serious drought conditions, highlighting the urgent need to address water scarcity and climate resilience as part of the SDGs.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | Indicator not mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity. | Indicator not mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Indicator not mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally. | Indicator not mentioned in the article. |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The issues highlighted in the article include inadequate water and poor forage due to abnormally dry weather, which can impact food production systems and agricultural practices (SDG 2). The article also mentions the impact of drought on water scarcity, which is relevant to SDG 6. Additionally, the article discusses the connection between climate change and the vulnerability of tribal communities, highlighting the need for climate action (SDG 13). Lastly, the article mentions the impact of dry weather on vegetation, which relates to the sustainable management of forests and land (SDG 15).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
- Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are related to ensuring sustainable food production systems and agricultural practices (Target 2.4), increasing water-use efficiency and addressing water scarcity (Target 6.4), strengthening resilience to climate-related hazards (Target 13.1), and promoting sustainable management of forests (Target 15.2).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No, the article does not mention or imply any specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
Overall, the article highlights the interconnectedness of climate change, drought, water scarcity, and their impacts on food production systems, ecosystems, and vulnerable communities. The identified SDGs and targets provide a framework for addressing these issues and working towards sustainable solutions. However, the article does not provide specific indicators to measure progress towards these targets.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: news.ucsb.edu
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