So much of my artwork has centered around the Great Lakes, and the water in wilderness areas in general, that Earth Day seems like a good moment to reflect upon a looming water crises in our country and world.States bordering the Great Lakes have joined in a compact to help protect the lakes. This is a small example of steps to address some huge potential issues for our whole species. In the United States, the gigantic Ogallala Aquifer, which provides water for 20% of our irrigated acreage, is showing signs of depletion. The implications for our ability to feed ourselves and the rest of the planet are staggering. Water has been coined as the "new oil" in geopolitical matters. New agricultural technologies which will use water more efficiently will hopefully be available and affordable, and implemented soon.
I stopped taking Wisconsin's beautiful waters for granted decades ago when I first began reading about water pollution and depletion issues. I'm sad that these issues loom larger than ever today.
