California facing steep losses due to drought. With global climate change causing increased water scarcity, farmers in California, USA suffered losses of at least US$300 million last year. Last month, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency due to the extreme water shortages, and the city of Los Angeles is now planning to ration water for the first time in 15 years.

Most recently, Kern County in southern California announced the likelihood of another US$300 million in losses this year, with some 40,000 acres of crops that will be under-irrigated and another 40,000 acres that won’t be planted at all. The state has called for emergency measures to cope with the shortages, and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is suggesting more focused recovery measures such as groundwater cleanup and storm water harvesting.

We appreciate the efforts of the Natural Resources Defense Council and all others working to alleviate this dire situation. Let us all join together in adopting new levels of sustainable living that support all life on our Earth.