The Threat of Heat Abundance and Water Scarcity
UNICEF/UNI315914/Haro
As the peak of summer heat rolls around in the Northern Hemisphere, the American media is reminded of the side effects of global warming. Global warming means a net increase of heat globally which leads to changes in circulation of matter in the atmosphere and ultimately weather patterns for distinct locations. This year, many communities will feel this excess heat as the National Centers for Environmental Information (NOAA) predicted in their April 2022 Global Climate Report. According to this report, there is over a 99% chance we will experience a top 10 year for historical global annual temperature recordings. Many people delight at the sound of warming weather, however the consequences of extreme temperatures include heat-related illnesses and reduced access to clean water. Excess heat places humans and especially children in a vulnerable position. When combined with a lack of water or shelter from the sun it can become deadly.
Cities are attempting to take preventative measures in order to avoid future crises. The New York Times featured an article about water restrictions recently imposed by Los Angeles and Santiago to anticipate the water shortages of the summer. In April, district officials in California issued its first emergency water shortage order in history with a goal to reduce consumption by 35 percent. A similar situation is occurring in Santiago where a tiered warning system is being implemented that may lead to 24-hour long water cuts by the end of the year.
Water shortages are worsening for a number of reasons: evaporation, changing weather patterns, dissipating glaciers, and overconsumption are just a few. It becomes clear, examining these causes, that there is a direct connection between access to water and global heat patterns. With global warming, regions are experiencing a gradual shift in annual precipitation, forcing communities to adjust policies and practices to conserve access to water. Excess heat leads to evaporation, which explains why some bodies of water have experienced unprecedented lows in their levels. While the total amount of water in earth’s system is conserved, there could be an increase in water vapor, meaning less of the liquid form present in bodies of water commonly used. With a severe drought impacting the Colorado River, Lake Powell is an example of a critical reservoir that has experienced record lows. The issues accumulate as bodies of water hold other purposes, such hydroelectric power in the case of Lake Powell.
Thinking globally, there are already 2 billion people living in water stressed countries and this number is only expected to increase over time with the progression of climate change. Additional issues that arise from water scarcity include a lack of hygiene, safe drinking water, and more exposure to sewage if systems fail. As a result of their role, women and children are often impacted the most as they collect water. With water scarcity, they are forced to walk longer distances. This results in threats to safety, health, and exposure to exploitation. By 2040, 1 in 4 children are expected to be living in areas with extremely high water stress. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is calling for action on the climate crises to avoid consequences that will put more children at risk. For more information on ways to help and get involved, please visit https://www.unicef.org/climate-action.
Sources
https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly-report/global/202204/supplemental/page-2.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/29/climate/drought-water-scarcity.html?smid=url-share
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/03/climate/lake-powell-mead-water-drought.html?smid=url-share
https://www.unicef.org/wash/water-scarcity
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water