That is an impressive feat of journalism. Well written, well researched, and well balanced. I especially appreciated the authors decision to approach each of the landowners with the results of his/her research. It is also depressing as hell to think of all the water that is lost to the atmosphere of the desert through these practices. There is only so much that a landowner can do to conserve water in parched ground and searing heat. Logic dictates that there be a shift to regions of the country with more moderate climate.
NPR had a segment on this, and it was an amazing review.
These farmers pay little to nothing for the water they receive. Most of this water is used to grow hay to feed cows, not to grow food for people. Another illustration of how the U.S. subsidizes meat consumption despite the drastic environmental damage it causes.
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That is an impressive feat of journalism. Well written, well researched, and well balanced. I especially appreciated the authors decision to approach each of the landowners with the results of his/her research. It is also depressing as hell to think of all the water that is lost to the atmosphere of the desert through these practices. There is only so much that a landowner can do to conserve water in parched ground and searing heat. Logic dictates that there be a shift to regions of the country with more moderate climate.
NPR had a segment on this, and it was an amazing review.
These farmers pay little to nothing for the water they receive. Most of this water is used to grow hay to feed cows, not to grow food for people. Another illustration of how the U.S. subsidizes meat consumption despite the drastic environmental damage it causes.