California: Negative Impacts Of Climate Change

Question 1

What problems are created by drought?

Answer 1

Although droughts are normal in California, they have recently seen an increase

This increases the chance of wildfires as the ground is so dry

Question 2

What causes the drought?

Answer 2

Rising temperatures leading to increased evaporation

Decreased precipitation

Question 3

Impacts

Answer 3

Groundwater fallen by 30m

Reservoir levels fallen (Lake Cachuma)

Snowpack levels fallen, which is meant to provide 1/3 Californians with their water

Forests reverted to shrubland

Question 4

Assessment of impacts

Answer 4

Wildfire risk have most impacts (Economic damage, biodiversity at risk, pollute waterways)

Groundwater levels falling by 30m also significant as aquifers wont fill so water store is lost