This behaviour is in start contrast to the bravado of the pirates who used to strut around this charming, ancient port nestled between arid mountains on Somalia’s Indian Ocean coast.

A recent study suggested that if deforestation and climate change continue unabated, between 10% and 47% of the Amazon could transition from lush rainforest to arid savanna over the next 25 years.

Famiglietti and other experts have stressed that preserving groundwater will be crucial for the future of California and other arid Western states.

The Supreme Court’s decision has drawn criticism from scientists and environmental advocates, who say the gutting of safeguards will jeopardize water quality throughout the arid West.

To withstand the extreme heat and arid conditions, crops in the Salton Sea air basin need to be watered regularly.