Wetlands and Water Shortages
Wetlands are an important part of Southern California's natural environment. They provide wildlife habitat along with biodiversity. They are also used for human activity such as water filtration, storm protection, flood control, and recreation. However, most of them have disappeared over time due to what researchers believe is the increased global demand for land and water, the worlds inability to meet these needs (water shortages), and climate change. Dramatic changes in climate have caused many of our wetlands and other bodies of water to evaporate and reach exceeding low water levels.
Damaged Ecosystems
Land fertility is very dependent on the amount of water available in an ecosystem. Ecosystems often become dry and damaged when there is not enough water available for the landscape and wildlife. Water is needed for the survival of many organisms such as plants and flora. As the amount of pollution continues to increase and water levels continue to lower, ecosystems continue to deteriorate leaving behind polluted, lifeless land. In California this land, being dry and arid, is often susceptible to wild fires which cause further damage to the land. As of now human population is high and steadily increasing, with water shortages on the rise that will soon change. Along with water shortages will come food shortages causing mortality rates to rise among all species; plants, animals, and humans.