The 2008 California Draught
In 2008 California’s water crisis intensified as then Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, declared the first statewide drought in 17 years – setting the stage for drastic cutbacks and for diverting supplies from the relatively water-rich to the water-poor.
Schwarzenegger called for a 20 percent reduction in water use statewide and urged local agencies to bolster conservation programs and to work with federal and other authorities to help farmers who are suffering huge financial losses and abandoning crops in droves.
“There is no more time to waste because nothing is more vital to protect our economy, our environment and our quality of life,” Schwarzenegger said.
At W12 in Cape Town May 2019, Arnold Schwarzenegger will share his insights and experience in dealing with the California Water Crisis with delegates from the 12 cities that will face or are currently facing similar challenges with drought and water resource mismanagement.