Colorado’s monsoon season is gearing up. Will it be enough to beat drought on the Western Slope? – The Colorado Sun

Report on Colorado’s 2024 Monsoon Season and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

An analysis of Colorado’s current monsoon season reveals significant regional disparities in precipitation, exacerbating challenges related to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The inconsistent moisture flow from the North American Monsoon is intensifying drought conditions, threatening water and food security, and increasing wildfire risk, thereby impacting progress on SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Water Scarcity and Regional Imbalances: A Challenge to SDG 6

The 2024 monsoon season has created a stark divide across Colorado, directly impacting the availability of fresh water, a core tenet of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). While eastern parts of the state have experienced near-normal conditions, western Colorado remains critically parched.

Precipitation Deficits

Rainfall data for July highlights the severe lack of precipitation in key areas, undermining water security for communities and ecosystems.

• Western Colorado: Some areas have received only 30% to 50% of their normal rainfall over the past 30 days.
• Grand Junction: Recorded 0.17 inches of rain in July, approximately a quarter-inch below the norm.
• Durango: Received 0.15 inches of rain, nearly two-thirds of an inch below its 30-year average.
• Denver Metropolitan Area: Denver International Airport reported 0.62 inches of rain, which is only 40% of its 1995-2020 average for July.

Drought Conditions and Agricultural Impact: A Threat to SDG 2

The expanding drought in western Colorado poses a direct threat to agricultural productivity and food security, running counter to the objectives of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), which aims to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture.

Drought Classification and Consequences

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, over 40% of the state is experiencing some level of drought, with the most severe conditions concentrated in the west.

1. Moderate Drought: Leads to potential crop damage, reduced stream flows, and developing water shortages. This condition has largely cleared in eastern Colorado but persists elsewhere.
2. Severe and Extreme Drought: Prevalent in western counties, these conditions cause major crop and pasture losses and can trigger widespread water use restrictions, severely impacting the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers.

The persistence of extreme drought in Mesa, Montrose, and Delta counties directly jeopardizes local food systems and agricultural economies.

Wildfire Risk and Ecosystem Health: Endangering SDG 11 and SDG 15

The combination of dry conditions and lightning-producing thunderstorms without significant rainfall has elevated the risk of wildfires, threatening communities and terrestrial ecosystems, which are protected under SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Current Wildfire Situation

Hot, dry, and windy conditions are exacerbating the fire danger. As of this report, five major fires are burning in Colorado, with four directly attributed to lightning strikes.

• Sowbelly fire (Montrose, Delta, Mesa counties)
• South Rim fire (Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park)
• Turner Gulch fire (Mesa County)
• Wright Draw fire (Mesa County)

These fires degrade vital ecosystems, destroy habitats, and pose a significant risk to the safety and infrastructure of nearby communities.

Climate Patterns and Future Outlook: The Imperative for SDG 13

The erratic nature of this year’s monsoon is a critical data point for understanding climate variability and its impacts, reinforcing the urgency of SDG 13 (Climate Action). While meteorological experts express cautious hope for increased rainfall in the latter part of the season, the current situation underscores the state’s vulnerability to climatic shifts.

Projections and Concerns

Experts anticipate a potentially active remainder of the monsoon season, but it is unlikely to be sufficient to reverse the extensive drought in western Colorado. The immediate forecast indicates continued hot and windy conditions, which will not alleviate the pressing concerns regarding water shortages and wildfire risk. The ongoing situation serves as a clear indicator of the tangible consequences of changing climate patterns on a regional scale, necessitating robust strategies for climate adaptation and resilience.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article discusses issues related to weather patterns, water scarcity, natural disasters, and their impact on the environment and human activities, which directly connect to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  This goal is central to the article, which focuses on climate-related phenomena such as the “spotty” monsoon season, drought conditions, and the resulting increase in wildfire risk. The entire discussion revolves around the immediate impacts of weather patterns and climate variability on the state of Colorado.

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  The article directly addresses this goal by detailing the effects of drought and wildfires on terrestrial ecosystems. It mentions the expansion of drought as a form of land degradation, the burning of forests (“five currently burning on the Western Slope”), and the impact on a protected area (“South Rim fire in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park”).

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  The connection to this goal is made through the article’s discussion of the impact of drought on agriculture. It explicitly states that summer showers are “critical for farmers and ranchers” and that “extreme drought conditions” can lead to “major crop or pasture losses,” highlighting the threat to food production systems.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  This goal is relevant due to the article’s extensive focus on water scarcity. It describes a “parched” western Colorado, lower-than-usual snowpack, below-normal rainfall, and the potential for “widespread shortages or restrictions” on water, all of which relate to the sustainable management of water resources.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article touches upon this goal by highlighting the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters. The risk of wildfires spreading due to “hot, windy conditions” poses a direct threat to human settlements and infrastructure in affected counties like Montrose, Delta, and Mesa.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the issues discussed, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.

   The article’s focus on the increased risk of wildfires due to drought and lightning strikes directly relates to this target. The entire narrative about the “sputtering” monsoon season and its consequences for drought and fire risk underscores the region’s vulnerability to climate-related hazards.

2. Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by… drought.

   The article extensively details the expansion of drought in Colorado, referencing the “U.S. Drought Monitor.” It states, “Drought is clinging to parts of western Colorado and expanding in the northwestern region,” which is a direct reference to the challenges addressed by this target.

3. Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that… strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought… and other disasters.

   This target is identified through the article’s mention of the consequences of water scarcity for agriculture. The text highlights that drought conditions can cause “major crop or pasture losses” for “farmers and ranchers,” directly linking a climate-related disaster to the resilience of food production.

4. Target 6.4: Substantially increase water-use efficiency… and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.

   The article’s detailed reporting on below-average rainfall (“Denver International Airport… has seen 0.62 inches of rain in July, which is about 40% of the average”) and the resulting drought conditions points to challenges in ensuring a sustainable supply of freshwater. The mention of potential “widespread shortages or restrictions” further aligns with the theme of addressing water scarcity.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions several specific quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress.

• Indicators for Drought and Water Scarcity (Targets 13.1, 15.3, 6.4):

  • Rainfall Measurement: The article provides specific data, such as “Denver International Airport… has seen 0.62 inches of rain in July,” “Grand Junction has had 0.17 inches of rain,” and “Durango… has received 0.15 inches of rain.” These are direct measures of water availability.
  • Rainfall vs. Normal Levels: Progress can be tracked by comparing current rainfall to historical averages. The article does this by stating rainfall in Denver is “about 40% of the average,” in Grand Junction it is a “quarter-inch below normal,” and in Durango it is “almost two-thirds of an inch less than the 30-year norm.”
  • Drought Monitoring and Classification: The article explicitly names the “U.S. Drought Monitor” as a tool. The percentage of the state affected (“about 40% of the state has been in drought”) and the classification levels (“abnormally dry,” “moderate,” “severe,” “extreme”) are clear indicators of drought severity and extent.

• Indicators for Natural Disasters (Target 13.1):

  • Number and Cause of Wildfires: The article provides a direct count: “Five major fires are burning in Colorado.” It also specifies the cause for four of them (“caused by lightning”), which can be used as an indicator for tracking natural disaster events.

• Indicators for Agricultural Impact (Target 2.4):

  • Crop and Pasture Losses: The article implies an indicator by describing the potential for “major crop or pasture losses” under extreme drought. While not quantified in the text, this represents a measurable impact on agricultural productivity.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: coloradosun.com