Growing Water Smart in Utah with Chelsea Benjamin, Nick Schou and John Berggren

Are you ready to refresh your understanding of water use and make strides in conservation as we unveil the innovative Growing Water Smart program in Utah? Our conversation delves into the intricate connection between land and water use, revealing the crucial role that reducing water use plays in our environment and key ecosystems, such as the Colorado River and the Great Salt Lake. We're joined by an expert panel featuring Chelsea Benjamin, Nick Schou, and John Berggren, who share their invaluable insights on the impacts of climate change, drought, and high water use in Utah.

We discuss the threats facing the Great Salt Lake, outlining the economic and health implications of its potential disappearance. We also cover how population expansion and water use are intertwined, and the opportunity Utah has to learn from other states' water efficiency efforts. We spotlight the Utah Growing Water Smart program, celebrating how it equips communities with resources to develop sustainable land and water planning processes.

We wrap up by discussing the growth of water-smart teams in Utah and their role in molding resilient communities and ecosystems. Our conversation highlights how these teams are banding together to build sustainable action plans, offering you the chance to learn how you can get involved and make a difference, regardless of your location.

Further Reading

• WRA guide to designing conservation-oriented water systems
• A Growing Water Smart guidebook on how to track progress integrating Water and Land Use
• Youtube video about Growing Water Smart
• Babbitt Center Guide to Incorporating Water into Comprehensive Planning
• Learn how you can participate in the Growing Water Smart Progam

2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for Arizona, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, and Wyoming.

2 Degrees out West is a podcast for advocates and decision makers who want to fight climate change and its impacts across the West.

On 2 Degrees Out West we talk with climate experts and advocates to bring you stories, experiences, and insights from their work in the places we call home.

It is Hosted by Dave Papineau

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