In a recent article titled “Water – at the center of the climate crisis,” the United Nations Climate Action highlights the intricate connection between water and climate change. The report underscores the multifaceted impacts of climate change on the world’s water resources, ranging from erratic rainfall patterns to sea-level rise, floods, and droughts.
Global Water Scarcity
The 2022 SDG report reveals alarming statistics: approximately two billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and nearly half of the global population faces severe water scarcity at some point during the year. These figures are expected to rise due to the combined effects of climate change and population growth.
Threats to Freshwater
Climate change poses a significant threat to the already limited freshwater resources, with only 0.5% of usable freshwater on Earth facing increasing jeopardy. Rising temperatures, alongside more frequent floods and droughts, contribute to water quality degradation and diminished availability.
Impact on Terrestrial Water Storage
Over the past two decades, terrestrial water storage, including soil moisture, snow, and ice, has been dwindling at a concerning rate of 1 cm per year, posing severe implications for water security globally.
Projections and Warnings
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects a rise in sea levels, exacerbating salinization of groundwater and further reducing freshwater accessibility, particularly in coastal regions. Moreover, the IPCC warns that climate change, coupled with population growth and increasing water scarcity, will strain food production, as agriculture currently consumes 70% of global freshwater resources.
Regional Impacts
Nigeria, like many other regions, grapples with declining access to basic drinking water services, with rural and urban areas both experiencing a decrease in access levels in recent years.
Local Studies and Assessments
Studies conducted in Nigeria highlight the exacerbation of water scarcity due to climate change, projecting a 60% increase in water demand for food production by 2030. These findings emphasize the need for localized assessments to understand water availability and distribution patterns influenced by climate change.
Government Response
The Nigerian government has initiated measures to address water scarcity, including the formulation of a National Water Resources Policy aimed at ensuring sustainable access to safe water for all citizens while preserving freshwater ecosystems.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite these efforts, worsening climate change impacts undermine Nigeria’s water management objectives. Organizations like Water Aid underscore the urgency of adapting water and sanitation services to climate change effects to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.
Global Perspective
Globally, climate change-induced water crises threaten to displace millions of people by 2030, exacerbating existing challenges such as poverty and public health crises. The need for immediate action to safeguard water resources and mitigate climate change impacts cannot be overstated.
As climate change unfolds, the imperative to safeguard water resources becomes increasingly urgent. Collaboration at both local and global levels, coupled with innovative solutions and efficient resource management, is essential to ensure a sustainable future for all.
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