Circle of Blue recently identified ten global hot spots where water resources are at the greatest risk of escalating to an issue of national security. Climate change, drought, low rainfall and pollution have heightened awareness around the world’s increasing need for fresh water resources. As water shortages elevate to crisis-level, countries worldwide are scrambling to identifty and claim fresh water resources.
Read more here: Infographic: Water and Security Hot Spots 2016
According to research by NASA and the National Science Foundation, the water temperature in fresh water lakes is rising at alarming rates. It’s a sign that climate change may be posing a greater effect on freshwater ecosystems than previously thought.
Read more here: Lakes temps rising globally, faster than air or oceans
Climate change has become a hot topic due to the recent COP-21 negotiations being held in Paris. It’s hard to believe some people are still denying the existence of climate change, particularly when 40 percent of the world’s population is directly effected by climate change on a daily basis. Climate change has been linked to water shortages, low rainfall, drought, famine and energy supply issues.
The Huffington Post’s article, “The Vicious Circle of Climate Change and Water Scarcity”, discusses the issues and how climate change impacts water scarcity globally.
Read more here: The Vicious Circle of Climate Change and Water Scarcity
Coastal sites across the country are feeling the effects of climate change. A rise in sea levels, erosion and warmer temperatures threaten the future of our coastal national parks. The National Park Service is taking preventive measures to protect coastal sites from climate change.
Read more here: Coastal Adaptation Strategies: Case Studies
India is no stranger to water crisis. Across the country, the Indian people have endured water shortages due to climate change, a lack of rainfall, pollution, water mismanagement and poor infrastructure.
In Lucknow, residents have endured a lingering water shortage while waiting for the local canal -which supplies the water – is maintained.
Read more here: Canal clean, water crisis still on
Drought is nothing new in Iran. The Middle Eastern country has experienced drought numerous times in the last 40 years, including from 1992-2002, 2008 and over the last several years. A population surge, increased water consumption and climate change have escalated the problem.
What steps are being taken to alleviate the crisis?
Read more here: Iran’s water crisis deepening
Columbia University has published a study looking at the effect climate change may have on the water crisis. More than two billion people may be subjected to a water crisis as a result. Scientists discovered that climate change has warmed temperatures in the atmosphere so that snow is falling as rain. While snow creates a natural reservoir of fresh water, rainfall must be captured.
What steps are being taken to prevent a water crisis?
Read more here: Climate Change May Lead To Water Crisis: What’s The Current Picture?
The Education Department in Iran’s capital city of Tehran will host the first Mehr-e Ab, a festival focusing on the city’s ongoing water crisis. The country has been crippled by a water shortage caused by climate change, low rainfall and poor water management. Officials hope the festival will bring awareness to water ethics as well as educate teachers and students on the importance of water conservation.
Read more here: ‘Mehr-e Ab’ festival to promote water consumption ethics among teachers, students
The United Nations’ Green Climate Fund is aimed at helping poor countries adjust to climate change. The initiative will fund projects including: the development of clean energy technology, an education program on the potential impact of climate change, solutions to water shortages and projects to preserve wetlands.
Read more on The Green Climate Fund in the articles below:
Yahoo News – U.N. climate fund approves first projects ahead of Paris summit
Bloomberg News – UN Green Climate Fund Approves First Projects for $168 Million
Climate change may be to blame for persistent flooding in Egypt’s second-largest city, says the World Bank. The city has been burdened by recent heavy rainfall, five times the normal October total. Officials point to a failing water infrastructure, which has compounded the flooding and has caused at least five deaths.
Officials warn the persistent flooding may also impact agriculture and drinking water. Since Alexandria lies low to sea-level, there is a significant risk for seawater to infiltrate the city’s fresh water system. Without an alternative fresh water resource, the possibility could mean catastrophe for a city already in the midst of a crisis.
Read more here: Egypt: Alexandria flooding may be new norm because of climate change
