Climate Change-Induced Drought Impacts Global Water Security, New Report Shows

The latest study warned of impacts on water security due to the worsening problems of heatwaves and prolonged drought exacerbated by climate change.

Communities could suffer from water scarcity when drought hits, making it more challenging for crops.

The increasing global population demands more water consumption. However, drought and heatwaves can increase water usage among households, cities, agriculture and businesses.

As a result, experts from the Department of Physical Geography at Utrecht University studied the water use in sectors and the potential impacts of climate change-induced extreme weather events.

Global water security and climate change

(Photo : by JUAN CARLOS CISNEROS/AFP via Getty Images)
Recent drought in Perka, Puno Province, Peru. The latest study warned of potential global water scarcity due to increasing problems of climate change-induced drought and heatwaves. Climate change plays a crucial role in the increasing global water usage.

Climate change can intensify extreme weather events, from prolonged drought, wildfires and heatwaves. It can cause less rainfall, affecting crops and water supplies. It can worsen heatwaves, causing the global population to consume more water.

The research findings were published in the Environmental Research Letters journal.

Researchers looked into the sectoral water uses. They analyzed data from 1990 to 2019.

Understanding the impacts of climate change can provide insights into better policy-making and urgent efforts to prevent disastrous effects on global water security.

In addition, the sectoral water use assessment can help understand how different sectors use water in response to climate change events.

The researchers observed the water use from different sectors, particularly manufacturing, energy, livestock and domestic.

Gabriel Cardenas Belleza, the study's lead author, explained that high temperatures can temporarily increase water demand. Part of the research is to analyze extensive data of about 30 years.

Cardenas Belleza is also a Ph.D. candidate at the Utrecht University.

The researcher's data can help deepen the knowledge about the sectorial water use behavior amidst the growing concerns of human-induced climate change and extreme weather events.

As populations and economies grow, the water demand is expected to rise globally. The rapid intensification of drought and heat waves can also exacerbate the problem, calling for urgent water conservation.

The sustainable responses of cities are also crucial to save more water, adding that heat waves can become more frequent due to climate change.

Water problems can impact wildlife and communities, causing a major concern of water crisis. It can also affect food security, which requires water.

Also Read: Pond Turtles Conservation: Restoration Efforts To Save Species from Brink of Extinction in Washington State, U.S.

The threat of water pollution

Furthermore, water pollution is also one of the threats to people's human and water security. The pollution can contaminate significant water areas, and exposure could result in health risks.

The hazardous and toxic materials from water pollution can impact marine life and clean water. Poorer communities can be at risk of harmful bacteria and parasites, causing significant health concerns.

Meanwhile, the problem of plastic pollution can worsen the situation. Plastic in oceans can bring deadly flooding in urban areas.