Farmland and Water Shortage
Recently, The Times has had three interesting articles describing California’s growing shortage of water and its effect on individuals, agriculture and industry. The water shortage and other major problems such as air pollution, congestion, waste disposal, unemployment and the budget deficit all share one thing in common: They are all caused by and/or driven by population pressure.
Certainly there is a great deal of concern for conservation of water in agriculture and elsewhere; however, proposals such as “buying out” agricultural concerns to divert water to support the growth of urban populations will only make the problem worse and leave the state poorer. We might temporarily stave off water shortages by reducing agriculture, but it will not help any of the other population-related problems. In addition, diverting water from agriculture means that we will have more people depending on a smaller food supply.
The solution to the water shortage and other major problems is a policy aimed at stabilizing our population. We are at a crucial time: We are on the verge of exceeding (and diminishing) the planet’s ability to support life.
Our state has often demonstrated an ability to lead the nation in addressing difficult problems. It is imperative to our future that we do so now.
JAMES BRUCKER
Los Angeles
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