Drought, Disaster, and Decision-Making: Can a Crisis Be Averted in the Colorado River Basin?

On May 8, 2026, in collaboration with UCLA partners, we convened a virtual mini-symposium that brought together expert researchers and water managers to take a clear-eyed look at conditions in the Colorado River Basin, where the ability to reliably serve 40 million people across Western states, tribal nations, and Mexico is increasingly in question. Sessions examined the climate-driven trends reshaping the Basin, the current state of interstate water negotiations, and what pragmatic, balanced outcomes might look like for the West — including California's water future. 00:00 Introductory Remarks 03:34 Panel 1: Setting the Stage – The State of the River 35:06 Panel 1: Q&A 46:03 Panel 2: Demystifying the Negotiations Process 01:21:57 Panel 2 Q&A 01:31:04 Panel 3: Approaches for a More Resilient River 02:02:21 Panel 3 Q&A 02:13:22 Panel 4: Where We Go From Here 02:44:23 Panel 4: Q&A 02:58:46 Closing Remarks