Water supply
One of the most serious consequences of global warming may be on the world’s water supply. If you’ve read about increased vapor in the clouds that’s theorized to cause the change in the earth’s surface temperature, you may wonder why that would impact our water supplies.
If scientists’ models of global warming and climate change is correct, we can expect to see melting of the polar ice caps. Whether they are totally decimated or minimally reduced, the sea levels will definitely change. Indeed, they’ve risen six to ten inches over the past century and are still rising. So far, this increase hasn’t affected any country’s water supply in any significant way but just a few more inches could possibly make a difference between an adequate water supply, water rationing or even a severe shortage of potable water.
As the sea levels rise, the fresh water sources such as rivers, streams and creeks that run into it will be absorbed by the salt water. Upstream, where the water is fresh, supplies will have been cut short by the encroaching ocean. Most people would breathe a sigh of relief at this news for if nothing else, humankind is adaptable. But as the earth’s surface temperature rises, reservoirs will evaporate more quickly and reserves will begin to be inadequate.
The increase of wildfires over the past five decades will also begin to have a devastating effect on the water supply. Hillsides and valleys used to absorb rains, letting the water perk down into the aquifers to feed natural freshwater supplies. As fires leave the lands bare and desolate, rain will rush down elevations towards flat lands, causing flooding and ruining crops and habitat both animal and human. Much of that fresh water will be dumped into the ocean in the coastal states, rendering it useless for consumption.
Who will have access to the water when the shortages begin? Surely there will be no more lawns to water, those will be the first to go. Trees will wither from neglect, denying the atmosphere the natural cleansing of carbon dioxide that they provided. Farmers may find themselves without adequate supplies to grow food because clean drinking water is needed. As you can see, one or two degrees of temperature increase can be potentially disastrous and life threatening.
So, do what you can to reduce your carbon footprint. Xeriscape, walk, bike and carpool whenever possible. It may not be too late. And then again, it might.
