We’ve all admired the handiwork of the Colorado River in the form of the exquisite canyons stretching from the Rockies to the Gulf of California, including the iconic chasm in the heart of Grand Canyon National Park. The recent drought has accelerated a discussion of another source of admiration for this hardworking river—that of economic stimulus. From agriculture to hydroelectricity to residential water supplies, its benefits to the region are virtually limitless.
A recent study by researchers from Arizona State University turned a spotlight on this economic engine by cataloging what would happen should this treasured water source go dry for a full calendar year. In short, the ripple effects would be devastating.
The region would lose $1.4 trillion in economic activity, along with 16 million jobs. Each of the six states—Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming—plus seven southern California counties supplied by the Colorado River would see losses to their gross state product of half or more. Nevada’s alone would drop by 87 percent.
Of course the hypothetical scenario of the river ceasing to flow does not even address the catastrophic effects to the larger ecosystem and social upheaval that would result. If this all sounds implausible, consider that exhaustive studies already informing governmental discourse give Lake Mead a 50–50 chance of being unusable as a reservoir by 2036. Some of the more optimistic projections on Colorado River flows show it dropping by 10–30 percent between now and then.
Now is the time to take action, and for concerned citizens (and lovers of the greater Grand Canyon region) to study the issues, make lifestyle changes to reduce climate change, and to weigh in appropriately with their elected officials. Follow this link for more information:
- A Year Without the Colorado River, as Seen by Economists (National Geographic)