Shadow of a drought, Climate blueprint, and Kiribati: A drowning paradise in the South Pacific

at
Categories
Tags

 

Question 1 (10 marks)

In weeks 3 and 4, you watched a series of documentaries (Shadow of a drought, Climate blueprint, and Kiribati: A drowning paradise in the South Pacific). You also read about the example of avocado farming in the Michoacn region of Mexico. We can think of these pieces as illustrative case studies or examples that help to demonstrate seemingly abstract concepts in real world contexts.

During weeks 3 and 4, you also learned about the concepts of common but differentiated responsibility, double exposure, and climate justice. Explain how the concept of double exposure may be useful for understanding the social-ecological context of one of the illustrative case studies listed above. Explain the concept of double exposure and explain how or why you think the case study illustrates the concept. Exceptional responses will likely discuss how social and ecological processes are linked, and comment on the distribution of risks and benefits (450-500 words).These are the readings and notes and video which have to used to answer to this question

 

 

series of documentaries

1. Documentary #1 – Shadow of Drought
is an Emmy award-winning documentary that examines the severe drought California suffered from 2012 to 2016 and the consequences it had on the states complex water management system. Despite recent wet winters, Californias water supply will continue to be threatened by ongoing population growth and longer, more frequent droughts caused by climate change.

Southern California, an arid region especially vulnerable due to its reliance on imported water, has been a pioneer in the use of innovative water technologies. But as a shadow of drought hangs over the state, much more needs to be done to avert the regions looming water crisis.

Sample Solution

Double Exposure and the California Drought

Understanding Double Exposure

Double exposure refers to the simultaneous vulnerability of a system to multiple stressors, often related to climate change and socioeconomic factors.

This concept highlights the interconnectedness of social and ecological systems, where pressures from both spheres can amplify the impacts of either. In essence, it is the compounding effect of multiple challenges on a system.

 

California Drought: A Case Study in Double Exposure

The California drought, as depicted in the documentary Shadow of a Drought, is an exemplary case of double exposure. The state is grappling with a complex interplay of environmental and socioeconomic stressors that exacerbate the impacts of the drought.

Ecological Stressors:

  • Climate change: Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns are increasing the frequency and severity of droughts.
  • Water scarcity: California’s arid climate and growing population have intensified water scarcity, putting immense pressure on the state’s water resources.

Socioeconomic Stressors:

  • Population growth: The state’s burgeoning population increases demand for water, exacerbating shortages.
  • Agriculture: Intensive agriculture, particularly in water-intensive crops, contributes to water consumption and depletion.
  • Economic inequality: The distribution of water resources is uneven, with some communities having greater access and control than others, leading to social inequities.
  • Governance challenges: Complex water management systems and competing interests among different stakeholders hinder effective water allocation and conservation.

These interconnected factors create a perfect storm, amplifying the negative impacts of the drought. For instance, the combination of climate change-induced water scarcity and a growing population has led to severe water restrictions, impacting agriculture, urban areas, and ecosystems. Moreover, the economic disparities in California exacerbate the drought’s effects, as low-income communities often bear the brunt of water shortages and have limited resources to adapt.

 

In conclusion, the California drought serves as a powerful illustration of double exposure. The convergence of ecological and socioeconomic stressors has created a complex and challenging situation that requires multifaceted solutions. Addressing the drought necessitates not only technological innovations in water management but also equitable policies that consider the needs of all Californians.

By understanding the concept of double exposure, policymakers and researchers can better appreciate the interconnected nature of challenges and develop more effective strategies for building resilience and sustainability.

 

This question has been answered.

Get Answer