There may not be enough fresh water for everyone: A slowly drying hemisphere is what scientists call

It’s no secret that water is the key to life on Earth. However, 99% of the world’s water reserves are trapped in the oceans or polar ice sheets and rocks. As a result, according to Science Aalert, there is very little fresh water available on the planet for humans, plants and all living things; this accounts for only 1% of total reserves.

Scientists, who have been warning for decades that humanity will face the consequences of the climate crisis, recently announced that the planet has moved from the era of “global warming” to the era of “global boiling”. Therefore, in a world facing a climate crisis, the global distribution of this 1% of freshwater is extremely important.

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In a new study, a team from the Open University found that the Southern Hemisphere has dried out faster than the Northern Hemisphere over the last two decades, from 2001 to 2020. Scientists suggest that the main cause of this process is a phenomenon known as El Niño, which repeats every few years and currently dominates the Pacific Ocean. During El Niño, ocean water in the eastern Pacific Ocean becomes warmer than normal.

According to study co-author Kevin Collins, a senior lecturer in the Department of Environment and Systems, he and his team’s conclusions are based on satellite data and measurements of river and stream flows. As a result, scientists were able to model and calculate changes in water availability. Note that “water availability” refers to the net difference between the amount of water added to the soil as precipitation on land and the water released into the atmosphere through evaporation or expelled by plants through leaves.

It is known that the Southern Hemisphere covers only a quarter of the world’s land area, excluding Antarctica. But previous studies have also shown that it is likely to have a much larger impact on global water availability than the North Sea.

The researchers’ new computer model showed severe declines in water availability in South America, much of Africa, and central and northwestern Australia. At the same time, some areas, such as the southern part of South Water, saw more water. But the study’s authors found that water availability remained relatively stable in the Northern Hemisphere. This is thought to be due in part to common human influences, including:

• irrigation;
• dam construction;
• food production.

The team emphasizes that the above factors are more relevant to the Northern Hemisphere, as it is where approximately 90% of the planet’s total population lives.

Scientists believe that drought in the Southern Hemisphere will cause some problems. FirstlyIncreasing drought in South America will lead to tropical forests drying out, increasing the risk of large-scale wildfires. South America is also one of the largest agricultural importers of soybeans, sugar, meat, coffee and fruit; Lack of water will only increase the pressure on this sector.

SecondlyDrought will also become a significant problem in much of Africa; Water scarcity is expected to add stress to the entire continent, which is already suffering from rising global food prices. In addition, scientists believe that drought will lead to a decline in the main cassava product, and the export of products such as coffee will also be affected, leading to hunger and poverty.

ThirdLack of water in northwestern Australia will lead to changes in the structure of vegetation and further increases in air temperatures. Scientists believe that by the end of the century, the average temperature for most of the year could exceed 35°C. The team believes this will have serious consequences for human health and the environment.

Previously Focus He wrote that the future on Earth is under threat: 20 of 35 habitability indicators are at the limit.