The state of California does not use its excess water to recharge its aquifers, which is considered its most important resource, despite the worsening rainstorms. This results in wasteful and harmful runoff while a considerable amount of the groundwater reserves remains untapped.
Heavy rainfall and snow are expected in Southern California, prompting first responders to advise residents to stay home and stay dry. The storm is expected to bring in the new year with a lot of precipitation.
It is too early to directly link human-caused climate change to the recent winter storms and flooding, but it is expected to make these types of events more frequent and intense in the future.
The speaker compares the ongoing drought situation in California and Australia, with emphasis on the level of water conservation efforts needed in California to make a significant impact on the water crisis.
The continuous rain storms in California have caused significant flooding and landslides, resulting in the loss of homes and lives. The overflowing river and tidal waves have now made it an almost impossible task to cross.
California's wildfires last year released one and a half times more carbon into the atmosphere than cars burning fossil fuels. With 40% of the state in a state of extreme drought, wildfires are becoming increasingly common and problematic.