Living in a Desert: A Perfect Storm Awaits San Diego

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published July 28, 2008 at 7:44 AM PDT

This story was published more than 16 years ago.

San Diego is technically a desert. But you wouldn't know it from the lush lawns and landscaping. With record drought conditions upon us, does it make sense to continue living the way we do? We'll talk

Living in a Desert: A Perfect Storm Awaits San Diego

Originally aired on August 16, 2007.

Maureen Cavanaugh (Guest Host): Think San Diego and most people think of water. After all, we have lush green lawns and golf courses, gorgeous gardens and the Pacific Ocean. But San Diego is actually a desert. And what some call the "perfect storm" is brewing, record low rainfall, below normal snow pack, and the reduction of imported water. What will happen to San Diego if and when this storm, this "dust storm" if you will, actually hits? And is there anything to be done?

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Guest

David Bainbridge , author of New Hope for Arid Lands - A Guide for Desert and Dryland Restoration . Also an associate professor of sustainable Management at Alliant International University.