To the editor: This text explores how policymakers could divide a shrinking water provide, nevertheless it overlooks a central driver of the continuing disaster (“Trump administration proposes Colorado River choices that might hit California laborious,” Jan. 9).
Nearly all of the water within the Colorado River basin — greater than 1 trillion gallons — is used to develop feed for livestock. This instantly hyperlinks the area’s water shortages to elevated ranges of meat and dairy consumption. With out acknowledging this actuality, discussions about water cuts threat lacking one of the vital efficient methods to scale back pressure on the basin.
Because the grandson of a cattle rancher, I worth the position agriculture performs in feeding folks and sustaining rural communities. I additionally consider that increasing choices for climate-resilient crops and different proteins — together with plant-based and fermentation-derived meals — can considerably cut back the pressure on our nation’s restricted water provide whereas creating new and worthwhile markets for farmers and meals corporations.
For California, this method presents a sensible method to shield the Colorado River basin whereas strengthening the state’s agricultural financial system.
Matt Hotze, Houston
This author is senior director of science and expertise at Good Meals Institute, a nonprofit suppose tank selling different proteins.
