The United States is primed for the worst droughts recorded in the last 1,000 years due to climate change.
Projections by climate scientists at Columbia University show the U.S. will experience droughts throughout the 21st century that are much more severe than the one currently impacting California.
Data from NASA shows carbon emissions could be the driving force behind these devastating water shortages.
A report in the Guardian says that higher temperatures due to climate change could make it nearly impossible to maintain current lifestyles across much of the country. The predicted droughts would be more severe than those of ancient times which caused the collapse of civilizations.
According to NASA the current likelihood of a mega-drought is about 12%. If greenhouse gas emissions stop increasing in the mid-21st century, NASA projects that the likelihood of a mega-drought rises by 60%.
If emissions keep increasing at their current levels, that number goes up to about 80%. California, the southwest and the Great Plains are expected to be the hardest-hit by these droughts.
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10 Great Solutions
The editors of Building Design+Construction present 10 “Great Solutions” that highlight innovative technology and products that can be used to address some of the many problems Building Teams face in their day-to-day work. Readers are encouraged to submit entries for Great Solutions; if we use yours, you’ll receive a $25 gift certificate. Look for more Great Solutions in 2012 at: www.bdcnetwork.com/greatsolutions/2012.
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Keast & Hood Co. part of Statue of Liberty renovation team
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| Dec 5, 2011
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| Dec 5, 2011
Fraser Brown MacKenna wins Green Gown Award
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What are you waiting for? BD+C's 2012 40 Under 40 nominations are due Friday, Jan. 20
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VLK Architects’ office receives LEED certification
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Report finds that L.A. lags on solar energy, offers policy solutions
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