The Next Energy Crisis Could Be a Water Crisis

AI Summary

Climate change has caused significant alteration in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures, leading to a water crisis exemplified by the Colorado River's diminished flow and Lake Mead's record low water levels. This growing crisis poses strategic risks alongside other resource challenges such as cobalt, rare earths, natural gas, and oil.

Strategic shortfalls? Maybe in getting cobalt out of the Congo or rare earth powders from China or natural gas from Russia or oil from the Persian Gulf? Or maybe something closer to home. Thanks to climate change (yes, just say it and hope the big boss doesn’t hear you), temperatures have risen, and rainfall patterns have changed dramatically. As an example of the consequences, the Colorado River’s flow has diminished and Lake Mead, its principal reservoir, has dropped to record low water levels. Aside from the obvious impact on water…