[MCN] water crisis Weekly update ⋅ December 22, 2025. e.g., A slow-motion water crisis is unfolding around the world, and The fight over Colorado River has become a political nightmare

[Lance Olsen]

water crisis
Weekly update ⋅ December 22, 2025 <>	
NEWS	
Water levels across the Great Lakes are falling – just as US data centers move in <https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/16/great-lakes-us-data-centers&ct=ga&cd=CAEYACoTODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNTIaYmM4NzY2ZDdhMWIyMDgyMTpjb206ZW46VVM&usg=AOvVaw3VRu35SQO4V_FFfmmlD6sB>
The Guardian <>
... water and many other issues. “A couple of years ago, there was a water pollution issue at the site. I'm very concerned. Is this [water] going back ...
 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/16/great-lakes-us-data-centers&ss=fb&rt=Water+levels+across+the+Great+Lakes+are+falling+%E2%80%93+just+as+US+data+centers+move+in&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmXO42SaAfKydfS5vkbkP82eg6Tjow>	 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/16/great-lakes-us-data-centers&ss=tw&rt=Water+levels+across+the+Great+Lakes+are+falling+%E2%80%93+just+as+US+data+centers+move+in&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmXO42SaAfKydfS5vkbkP82eg6Tjow>	Flag as irrelevant <https://www.google.com/alerts/feedback?ffu=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/16/great-lakes-us-data-centers&source=alertsmail&hl=en&gl=US&msgid=ODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNQ&s=AB2Xq4iv3Zcqsdb2IwRtbSiRk8SC2yR5AAqvvFM>	
A slow-motion water crisis is unfolding around the world - Yale Climate Connections <https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/12/a-slow-motion-water-crisis-is-unfolding-around-the-world/&ct=ga&cd=CAEYASoTODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNTIaYmM4NzY2ZDdhMWIyMDgyMTpjb206ZW46VVM&usg=AOvVaw2Y2RbQnlBey58ykKgL1ZVA>
Yale Climate Connections <>
Many land areas are drying out as glaciers melt, soils lose moisture, and groundwater levels fall.
 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/12/a-slow-motion-water-crisis-is-unfolding-around-the-world/&ss=fb&rt=A+slow-motion+water+crisis+is+unfolding+around+the+world+-+Yale+Climate+Connections&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmVFpuxMyu2X_V8FR_71MY4uIwpdoQ>	 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/12/a-slow-motion-water-crisis-is-unfolding-around-the-world/&ss=tw&rt=A+slow-motion+water+crisis+is+unfolding+around+the+world+-+Yale+Climate+Connections&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmVFpuxMyu2X_V8FR_71MY4uIwpdoQ>	Flag as irrelevant <https://www.google.com/alerts/feedback?ffu=https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/12/a-slow-motion-water-crisis-is-unfolding-around-the-world/&source=alertsmail&hl=en&gl=US&msgid=ODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNQ&s=AB2Xq4iv3Zcqsdb2IwRtbSiRk8SC2yR5AAqvvFM>	
After Ruining a Treasured Water Resource, Iran Is Drying Up - e360-Yale <https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://e360.yale.edu/features/iran-water-drought-dams-qanats&ct=ga&cd=CAEYAioTODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNTIaYmM4NzY2ZDdhMWIyMDgyMTpjb206ZW46VVM&usg=AOvVaw31ZU7AWphTzPI1OecdwMXf>
e360-Yale <>
Iran is looking to relocate the nation's capital because of severe water shortages that make Tehran unsustainable. Experts say the crisis was ...
Iran's drought crisis - What in the World podcast, BBC World Service - YouTube <https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DJiiYTJPtZCY&ct=ga&cd=CAEYAioTODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNTIaYmM4NzY2ZDdhMWIyMDgyMTpjb206ZW46VVM&usg=AOvVaw3P4IPgOYWoHhkpnUNfo3uv> - YouTube <>
Full Coverage <http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=https://e360.yale.edu/features/iran-water-drought-dams-qanats&hl=en&geo=US>
 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://e360.yale.edu/features/iran-water-drought-dams-qanats&ss=fb&rt=After+Ruining+a+Treasured+Water+Resource,+Iran+Is+Drying+Up+-+e360-Yale&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmVCRmTPFNZ9eGlRxzqwaqFgwsPjew>	 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://e360.yale.edu/features/iran-water-drought-dams-qanats&ss=tw&rt=After+Ruining+a+Treasured+Water+Resource,+Iran+Is+Drying+Up+-+e360-Yale&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmVCRmTPFNZ9eGlRxzqwaqFgwsPjew>	Flag as irrelevant <https://www.google.com/alerts/feedback?ffu=https://e360.yale.edu/features/iran-water-drought-dams-qanats&source=alertsmail&hl=en&gl=US&msgid=ODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNQ&s=AB2Xq4iv3Zcqsdb2IwRtbSiRk8SC2yR5AAqvvFM>	
Trump's plan to pump more water in California is ill-conceived and harmful, lawmakers say <https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-12-15/trump-water-pumping-congress&ct=ga&cd=CAEYBCoTODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNTIaYmM4NzY2ZDdhMWIyMDgyMTpjb206ZW46VVM&usg=AOvVaw3poSLCd2x62lk5m79asyDp>
Los Angeles Times <>
... Water Project to reduce water exports. “Not only will this ... Is Southern California prepared to avoid a 'Day Zero' water crisis? Aug ...
 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-12-15/trump-water-pumping-congress&ss=fb&rt=Trump%27s+plan+to+pump+more+water+in+California+is+ill-conceived+and+harmful,+lawmakers+say&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmWPWdg5Rl8w_XrrICySoOxk3xyXZQ>	 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-12-15/trump-water-pumping-congress&ss=tw&rt=Trump%27s+plan+to+pump+more+water+in+California+is+ill-conceived+and+harmful,+lawmakers+say&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmWPWdg5Rl8w_XrrICySoOxk3xyXZQ>	Flag as irrelevant <https://www.google.com/alerts/feedback?ffu=https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-12-15/trump-water-pumping-congress&source=alertsmail&hl=en&gl=US&msgid=ODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNQ&s=AB2Xq4iv3Zcqsdb2IwRtbSiRk8SC2yR5AAqvvFM>	
Grappling with its worst drought in a century, Iraq bets on a controversial oil-for-water deal <https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/21/climate/iraqs-oil-water-turkey-intl-latam&ct=ga&cd=CAEYBSoTODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNTIaYmM4NzY2ZDdhMWIyMDgyMTpjb206ZW46VVM&usg=AOvVaw2rvWxbPQb5_FtMEW2iBfHg>
CNN <>
The historic “land between two rivers” faces a crisis as the Tigris and Euphrates shrink dramatically amid severe drought and the increasing toll ...
 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/21/climate/iraqs-oil-water-turkey-intl-latam&ss=fb&rt=Grappling+with+its+worst+drought+in+a+century,+Iraq+bets+on+a+controversial+oil-for-water+deal&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmXkAdA0oxlmFSV1GcZocIfEp3CsHQ>	 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/21/climate/iraqs-oil-water-turkey-intl-latam&ss=tw&rt=Grappling+with+its+worst+drought+in+a+century,+Iraq+bets+on+a+controversial+oil-for-water+deal&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmXkAdA0oxlmFSV1GcZocIfEp3CsHQ>	Flag as irrelevant <https://www.google.com/alerts/feedback?ffu=https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/21/climate/iraqs-oil-water-turkey-intl-latam&source=alertsmail&hl=en&gl=US&msgid=ODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNQ&s=AB2Xq4iv3Zcqsdb2IwRtbSiRk8SC2yR5AAqvvFM>	
Trump officials dive into the West's biggest water war - Politico <https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/17/the-time-for-serious-negotiations-is-now-trump-admin-squeezes-colorado-river-states-00696891&ct=ga&cd=CAEYBioTODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNTIaYmM4NzY2ZDdhMWIyMDgyMTpjb206ZW46VVM&usg=AOvVaw3_TuZKMuiL0NJIwKMFI19r>
Politico <>
... water use as the drought-stricken Colorado River careens towards crisis. The Interior Department's top water official on Wednesday urged the seven ...
 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/17/the-time-for-serious-negotiations-is-now-trump-admin-squeezes-colorado-river-states-00696891&ss=fb&rt=Trump+officials+dive+into+the+West%27s+biggest+water+war+-+Politico&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmVzwqHgAqV0wzbRj-OxnZpIujZJhg>	 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/17/the-time-for-serious-negotiations-is-now-trump-admin-squeezes-colorado-river-states-00696891&ss=tw&rt=Trump+officials+dive+into+the+West%27s+biggest+water+war+-+Politico&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmVzwqHgAqV0wzbRj-OxnZpIujZJhg>	Flag as irrelevant <https://www.google.com/alerts/feedback?ffu=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/17/the-time-for-serious-negotiations-is-now-trump-admin-squeezes-colorado-river-states-00696891&source=alertsmail&hl=en&gl=US&msgid=ODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNQ&s=AB2Xq4iv3Zcqsdb2IwRtbSiRk8SC2yR5AAqvvFM>	
How Did a City of 10 Million People Nearly Run Out of Water? - The New York Times <https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/opinion/tehran-iran-water-drought-crisis.html&ct=ga&cd=CAEYByoTODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNTIaYmM4NzY2ZDdhMWIyMDgyMTpjb206ZW46VVM&usg=AOvVaw05188xNpweMrElOf-b2iV8>
The New York Times <>
Global warming, though, is only part of the problem. The Iranian water infrastructure has long suffered from a lack of investment as well as from the ...
 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/opinion/tehran-iran-water-drought-crisis.html&ss=fb&rt=How+Did+a+City+of+10+Million+People+Nearly+Run+Out+of+Water%3F+-+The+New+York+Times&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmWXZpG7dbvoyDqlQVQyrjdLIRurgA>	 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/opinion/tehran-iran-water-drought-crisis.html&ss=tw&rt=How+Did+a+City+of+10+Million+People+Nearly+Run+Out+of+Water%3F+-+The+New+York+Times&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmWXZpG7dbvoyDqlQVQyrjdLIRurgA>	Flag as irrelevant <https://www.google.com/alerts/feedback?ffu=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/opinion/tehran-iran-water-drought-crisis.html&source=alertsmail&hl=en&gl=US&msgid=ODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNQ&s=AB2Xq4iv3Zcqsdb2IwRtbSiRk8SC2yR5AAqvvFM>	
Water Issues Headlined 2025 and Will Likely Stay There in 2026 - The Packer <https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.thepacker.com/news/industry/water-issues-headlined-2025-and-will-likely-stay-there-2026&ct=ga&cd=CAEYCCoTODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNTIaYmM4NzY2ZDdhMWIyMDgyMTpjb206ZW46VVM&usg=AOvVaw1Cq0K5dePeoII3qNUGj8uD>
The Packer <>
Water is always big news, but there were some big headlines in 2025. (Photo: Montri, Adobe Stock). The year 2025 saw several big water issues hit the ...
 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://www.thepacker.com/news/industry/water-issues-headlined-2025-and-will-likely-stay-there-2026&ss=fb&rt=Water+Issues+Headlined+2025+and+Will+Likely+Stay+There+in+2026+-+The+Packer&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmXeaJ5gBHAPXNZ6QAG4D2VOxL2AOA>	 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://www.thepacker.com/news/industry/water-issues-headlined-2025-and-will-likely-stay-there-2026&ss=tw&rt=Water+Issues+Headlined+2025+and+Will+Likely+Stay+There+in+2026+-+The+Packer&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmXeaJ5gBHAPXNZ6QAG4D2VOxL2AOA>	Flag as irrelevant <https://www.google.com/alerts/feedback?ffu=https://www.thepacker.com/news/industry/water-issues-headlined-2025-and-will-likely-stay-there-2026&source=alertsmail&hl=en&gl=US&msgid=ODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNQ&s=AB2Xq4iv3Zcqsdb2IwRtbSiRk8SC2yR5AAqvvFM>	
 <https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/19/the-fight-over-the-colorado-river-has-become-a-political-nightmare-00699636&ct=ga&cd=CAEYCCoTODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNTIaYmM4NzY2ZDdhMWIyMDgyMTpjb206ZW46VVM&usg=AOvVaw3iSQHx6zBiPvHm9J86oyXn>The fight over the Colorado River has become a political nightmare - POLITICO <https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/19/the-fight-over-the-colorado-river-has-become-a-political-nightmare-00699636&ct=ga&cd=CAEYCSoTODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNTIaYmM4NzY2ZDdhMWIyMDgyMTpjb206ZW46VVM&usg=AOvVaw3iSQHx6zBiPvHm9J86oyXn>
Politico <>
LAS VEGAS — A seven-state brawl centered on one of the country's most competitive swing states is poised to trigger a water supply crisis for 40 ...
 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/19/the-fight-over-the-colorado-river-has-become-a-political-nightmare-00699636&ss=fb&rt=The+fight+over+the+Colorado+River+has+become+a+political+nightmare+-+POLITICO&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmU06pqt8VCWKSIWRfYAgkMmPgK-6Q>	 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/19/the-fight-over-the-colorado-river-has-become-a-political-nightmare-00699636&ss=tw&rt=The+fight+over+the+Colorado+River+has+become+a+political+nightmare+-+POLITICO&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmU06pqt8VCWKSIWRfYAgkMmPgK-6Q>	Flag as irrelevant <https://www.google.com/alerts/feedback?ffu=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/19/the-fight-over-the-colorado-river-has-become-a-political-nightmare-00699636&source=alertsmail&hl=en&gl=US&msgid=ODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNQ&s=AB2Xq4iv3Zcqsdb2IwRtbSiRk8SC2yR5AAqvvFM>	
 <https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.newsweek.com/lake-mead-water-warnings-experts-colorado-river-11213579&ct=ga&cd=CAEYCSoTODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNTIaYmM4NzY2ZDdhMWIyMDgyMTpjb206ZW46VVM&usg=AOvVaw3CX0rGxLShmE0FVOUzryGT>Lake Mead warnings issued by multiple experts - Newsweek <https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.newsweek.com/lake-mead-water-warnings-experts-colorado-river-11213579&ct=ga&cd=CAEYCioTODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNTIaYmM4NzY2ZDdhMWIyMDgyMTpjb206ZW46VVM&usg=AOvVaw3CX0rGxLShmE0FVOUzryGT>
Newsweek <>
Lake Mead provides drinking water to around 25 million people, meaning its falling levels pose a significant problem to tens of millions of Americans ...
 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://www.newsweek.com/lake-mead-water-warnings-experts-colorado-river-11213579&ss=fb&rt=Lake+Mead+warnings+issued+by+multiple+experts+-+Newsweek&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmUBCHb5aLNszsLza2EYKyaXoqhSjQ>	 <https://www.google.com/alerts/share?hl=en&gl=US&ru=https://www.newsweek.com/lake-mead-water-warnings-experts-colorado-river-11213579&ss=tw&rt=Lake+Mead+warnings+issued+by+multiple+experts+-+Newsweek&cd=KhM4MTk1NjY0OTU4NDI3OTQ2NzM1MhpiYzg3NjZkN2ExYjIwODIxOmNvbTplbjpVUw&ssp=AMJHsmUBCHb5aLNszsLza2EYKyaXoqhSjQ>	Flag as irrelevant <https://www.google.com/alerts/feedback?ffu=https://www.newsweek.com/lake-mead-water-warnings-experts-colorado-river-11213579&source=alertsmail&hl=en&gl=US&msgid=ODE5NTY2NDk1ODQyNzk0NjczNQ&s=AB2Xq4iv3Zcqsdb2IwRtbSiRk8SC2yR5AAqvvFM>	


********

“The ecological systems upon which humans rely for life support are in crisis, and human behavior is the root cause. These problems are ... related to how humans meet their needs and wants in disruptive ways.”
 
Elise Amel, Christie Manning, Britain Scott, Susan Koger

Beyond the Roots of Human Inaction. Science 21 April 2017

————————————
“Consumer expectations of ever-higher living standards were fuelled by more lenient and readily available bank lending, …. 

“Social status and identity became closely associated with consumption, in particular with the concept of luxury. 

"Identifying oneself with the good life meant being able to live beyond traditional understandings of basic needs. Debt was the price one paid for the joys of being part of a hedonistic consumer culture.”

Kenneth Dyson. The Morality of Debt. Foreign Affairs. May 3, 2015
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/2015-05-03/morality-debt

=========
“The American way of life is not negotiable.”

George H. W. Bush. 1992

========
"We are not able even to think adequately about the behavior that is at the annihilating edge."

R. D. Laing. Introduction, The Politics of Experience. 
1967, New York. Pantheon Books, a division of Random House

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://bigskynet.org/pipermail/missoula-community-news_bigskynet.org/attachments/20251222/b934d4b6/attachment.htm>