Why did Chile's huge lagoon really disappear?

 Over the years, some in the community had lost access to safe drinking water as new summer homes with pristine lawns and swimming pools guzzled up the supply. 

But this was nothing compared to the exploitation that occurred when the avocado and cherry producers moved in, said locals.

Thirsty, extractive industries such as lithium and copper mining drive Chile's economy. Nearly 80% of the country's freshwater goes to agriculture, most infamously to the avocado. 

Each fruit takes around 70 liters (about 18 gallons) of water to produce.

Deutsche Welle 8 March 2022

https://beta.dw.com/en/the-struggle-over-water-rights-in-chile-millenial-president-gabriel-boric/a-60895657

Climate change has arrived with a vengeance in the American West.

 The region’s 22-year drought is the second-worst since the year 800

Englund: Climate change has arrived with a vengeance in the American West. (englundmacro.blogspot.com)