Without beating around the bush, climate change has serious consequences for water resources. Rising temperatures cause glaciers to melt, which in turn undermines the availability of fresh water. Its repercussions also include drought (and fires), floods and the alteration of aquatic ecosystems. Ocean acidification threatens marine life and fishing. And not only that.
In this article we will try to understand What are the consequences of climate change on water?. Consequences that affect both the quantity and quality of water resources. And, indirectly, also our quality of life and our well-being, since water is essential for survival.
But how, in concrete terms, does climate change affect water?
The importance of water for survival
Water is the main component of the cells and tissues of the human body. It is involved in an incredible number of biological processes, and is essential for all living organisms. It plays a crucial role in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems: it supports the growth of plants, regulates the climate, promotes marine and terrestrial biodiversity, and provides vital resources for agriculture, energy production and human consumption. It is obvious how essential it is to maintain the health of the entire ecosystem of the Earth, of which, in addition to humans and animals, plants are also a part.
Consequences of climate change on water
Unfortunately, as we know, this element is directly affected by climate change. The consequences of this phenomenon on water resources are diverse and varied. And they have a significant impact on rivers, lakes, oceans and underground sources. Changes in precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, melting glaciers and ocean acidification are just some of the consequences we have mentioned. These are factors that undermine the stability and quality of global waters. In addition to aquatic ecosystems, these consequences also have a direct impact on the availability of drinking water, in the agriculture, fisheries and food security sectors.
If we think about it for a moment, one of the direct consequences of climate change in terms of water immediately comes to mind: it is the reduction in precipitation and the consequent increase in drought in various countries around the world. A phenomenon to which we are increasingly accustomed and which causes a decrease in surface and underground water reserves. But also the increasingly frequent fires that devastate woods and forests.
Added to this is the increase in extreme weather events which we witness – helplessly – more and more frequently: torrential rains, hurricanes, floods, violent storms. With all the damage that comes from them in terms of floods, overflowing rivers, soil erosion and contamination of water resources. Another phenomenon closely linked to climate change is theocean acidification due to the increase in carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. A part of this ends up straight into the oceans, altering marine ecosystems and compromising the survival of many species.
For decades we have been hearing about the melting of glaciers and icebergs, also a direct consequence of global warming due to climate change. A factor that causes the rise in sea levels and the salinization of coastal waters. With the devastating effects on coastal habitats and agriculture in the affected areas that this entails.
From what we have just seen, one consideration is necessary: most of the impacts of climate change are due to water. Indeed, it can be said that they are closely related. This is explained by extreme weather events that are making it increasingly scarce, more polluted and more unpredictable.
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Source: www.greenstyle.it
