The Dry Sky: Envisioning the Future of Human-Altered Atmospheric Water Cycles

The Dry Sky: Envisioning the Future of Human-Altered Atmospheric Water Cycles
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 05, 2024

As humans continue to interact with the Earth's natural systems, our impact on the atmospheric water cycle is becoming increasingly complex, potentially altering the environment in ways that were once difficult to imagine. From changes in land use that affect cloud formation to weather modification techniques such as cloud seeding, our actions are reshaping water management strategies worldwide.

At the forefront of understanding these changes is Colorado State University's Assistant Professor Patrick Keys, a specialist in climate and societal shifts. Keys has identified a crucial gap in the collective knowledge of both the public and water researchers regarding the enduring effects of these transformations. To bridge this gap, he has brought together water scientists from various parts of the world to create story-based scenarios. These narratives, published in Global Sustainability, aim to provide a unique insight into the future challenges and opportunities of atmospheric water management, blending scientific research with speculative fiction to foster a broader understanding among diverse audiences.

This innovative approach includes an array of storytelling methods, from traditional science fiction tales to personal journal entries, accompanied by compelling visuals crafted by artist Fabio Comin. The project not only seeks to enlighten people about future water management issues but also to empower them to envision and engage with these potential realities, regardless of their background or expertise.

The research underpinning these narratives was conducted in three phases. Initially, Keys employed computational text analysis to sift through journal abstracts, uncovering prevalent themes in current atmospheric water cycle research. This data was then categorized to reflect potential future interactions between humans and the water cycle, focusing on how various actors might respond to challenges and opportunities related to water as a critical resource.

The culmination of this process involved the creation of ten detailed scenarios through workshops with interdisciplinary experts. These workshops encouraged participants to think beyond their fields, resulting in a diverse collection of futures that consider the long-term implications of our current practices on water resources.

Keys' work, conducted within the Department of Atmospheric Science at the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering, in collaboration with researchers from notable institutions, underscores the urgency of addressing water cycle changes. By combining the imaginative power of science fiction with rigorous scientific analysis, Keys and his team offer a novel approach to sparking global conversations about water management at a critical juncture for policy and action.

Research Report:The Dry Sky: Future Scenarios for Humanity's Modification of the Atmospheric Water Cycle