The Salton Sea, California’s largest lake, is drying up. As it does, desert winds sweep toxic chemicals from the sea’s exposed lakebed into the ecosystem. This has resulted in poor health conditions like elevated asthma and COVID-19 mortality rates for Imperial County residents. Government failure to adequately respond to the environmental crisis has allowed the problem to continue for decades.
Trees and shrubs grow out of parched earth near the Salton Sea. (September, 2021) The Salton Sea’s former shoreline, now a steep cliff drop off. (September, 2021) Three locals shoot their pellet guns toward the Salton Sea. (September, 2021) Birds sit in front of farmland in Imperial County. (September, 2021) The sun rises over what was once a tributary of the Salton Sea. (September, 2021) Carol Schoolcraft and Elaine Ragland stand in front of the Niland Inn. (September, 2021) A palm tree and shrubs grow near the Salton Sea. (September, 2021) Carol Schoolcraft sits inside the lobby of the Niland Inn. (September, 2021) Cesar Orozco’s feet sink into the exposed lakebed of the Salton Sea. (September, 2021)
