Study Finds Global Warming Is Intensifying Water Shortages

Study Finds Global Warming Is Intensifying Water Shortages

Water gaps refer to the difference between renewable water availability and water consumption, while still ensuring adequate water flow in aquatic ecosystems.

Key Findings:

• Globally, there is a water gap of nearly 458 billion cubic meters per year across all continents.
• The world will face more extreme conditions with a 1.5°C temperature increase, and the impacts will be even more severe with a 3°C rise.
• However, global warming will also alter precipitation patterns, which could reduce water gaps in some countries, such as Nigeria.

India-Specific Findings:

• India is one of the countries with the largest water gaps, alongside the US, China, and others, and it is projected to experience the most significant increase in water gaps under warming scenarios.
• The Ganges-Brahmaputra and Godavari river basins are expected to see the highest rise in water gaps.

Status of Water Resources in India:

• India accounts for 18% of the global population but only holds 4% of the world’s water resources. Over 600 million people already face severe water shortages.
• By 2030, water demand is expected to double the available supply, leading to acute scarcity and potentially resulting in a ~6% loss to the GDP (NITI Aayog).

Factors Driving the Water Crisis: Overpopulation, excessive groundwater extraction, water contamination and pollution, poor water management, and climate change are all contributing to the crisis.

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