In a world increasingly ravaged by climate change, the restoration of water cycles offers a glimmer of hope. Alpha Lo, an investigator and researcher with the Climate Water Project, joined EcoJustice Radio to discuss how rehydrating the earth and replenishing groundwater can transform our planet. This blog post delves into the key points from our enlightening conversation with Alpha.
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Reviving Water Cycles: Alpha Lo on Hydrological Restoration
In this episode, we plunge into the restoration of water cycles with Alpha Lo, an investigator and researcher dedicated to global water cycle restoration [https://climatewaterproject.substack.com/]. Join us as we explore how rehydrating the earth and soil, replenishing groundwater, and transforming drought-fire- and flood cycles affecting various regions can slow down or reverse climate change. Listen in to learn about the small water cycle, the impact of deforestation on rain, and how nature-based solutions can be more powerful than technological interventions.
Water, water everywhere. Or perhaps there used to be a great deal more water everywhere, particularly in the soil. The Climate Water Project started by Alpha Lo is a resource for understanding how we might restore the water cycle. It is possible and already happening around the globe in certain countries.
Deforestation and Its Impact on Rainfall
Deforestation and Its Impact on RainfallDeforestation has a profound impact on rainfall patterns. Alpha shared insights from Spanish meteorologist Milan Milan, who discovered that deforestation in Spain led to a significant decrease in rainfall. Trees play a critical role in the water cycle by absorbing rain, releasing moisture into the air, and creating conditions conducive to cloud formation. Reforesting and protecting old-growth forests are essential steps in restoring water cycles.
Nature-Based Solutions vs. Technological Interventions
Nature-based solutions often outperform technological interventions in water cycle restoration. Alpha highlighted the concept of “stacking functions” in permaculture, where natural elements like trees and soil microorganisms perform multiple roles. Technological solutions, on the other hand, tend to focus on single variables, potentially causing unintended consequences. Embracing nature-based solutions can lead to more holistic and sustainable outcomes.
STORY: A Global Perspective on Permaculture Design with Warren Brush
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The Power of Microorganisms
Microorganisms play a surprisingly significant role in seeding rain. Certain bacteria and fungi can seed clouds more effectively than dust, facilitating rainfall even in warmer conditions. This discovery underscores the importance of maintaining healthy, biodiverse ecosystems to support the water cycle.
Local Actions for Global Impact
Local Actions for Global ImpactRestoring water cycles is not just a global effort; it starts at the local level. Alpha encouraged listeners to engage with local tribal councils, volunteer at heritage sites, and support indigenous land trusts. Simple actions like creating swales in gardens or advocating for green infrastructure in urban areas can make a significant difference.
Rewilding and Regenerative Economics
Rewilding—restoring large areas of land to their natural state—can have profound benefits for water cycles and biodiversity. Alpha also discussed the concept of regenerative economics, which focuses on restoring ecological health as a pathway to economic prosperity. By shifting our economic systems to prioritize ecological restoration, we can create a more sustainable future.
Cultural Shifts and Education
Cultural Shifts and EducationAchieving water cycle restoration requires a cultural shift towards valuing and protecting our natural resources. Education plays a crucial role in this transformation. Alpha emphasized the need for educational initiatives that teach the importance of water cycles and empower individuals to take action.
Conclusion
While it is not yet happening at scale, we can aim our sights and actions toward this possibility. Restoring the water cycle, particularly through regenerating the soil and reforesting or greening the planet for longer, can indeed change the trajectory of this planet. For life to continue, it is imperative for us to participate in: slow water, the small water cycle, and restoration of groundwater, local watersheds and rainfall. Hear Alpha Lo of the Climate Water Project wax on about all things water and how we might participate in its return.
Alpha Lo publishes the Climate Water Project newsletter [https://climatewaterproject.substack.com/] and hosts the Climate Water Project podcast. He operates as an investigator and researcher into the interaction of ecology and climate via the water cycle. He studies how to restore our water cycles, and is working on numerous ecorestoration projects. He comes from a background in physics and permaculture, and teaches about water in Permaculture Design Courses. His substack and podcast focus on, of course, the water cycle, and how leveraging these forces helps with hydrating the earth and soil, replenishing groundwater, restoring rains in drought areas, lessening flooding, and slowing down climate change.
Carry Kim, Co-Host of EcoJustice Radio. An advocate for ecosystem restoration, Indigenous lifeways, and a new humanity born of connection and compassion, she is a long-time volunteer for SoCal350, member of Ecosystem Restoration Camps, and a co-founder of the Soil Sponge Collective, a grassroots community organization dedicated to big and small scale regeneration of Mother Earth.
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Executive Producer and Intro: Jack Eidt
Hosted by Carry Kim
Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats
Episode 231
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