Climate chanfge is now clearly affects global air circulation, which in turn affects the amount of water that is available in rivers for local consumption through changes in precipitation and evaporation.
The sensitivity with which water availability responds to climate change, according to recent study, has been persistently underestimated by physical models used to make predictions about their effects.
The Vienna University of Technology study, directed by professor Gunter Bloschl, examined measurement data from more than 9,500 hydrological catchment regions worldwide and concluded that climate change may worsen already-existing local water shortages.
The researchers found that the relationship between precipitation and river water volume is far more sensitive than previously thought, indicating that forecast models for how climate change would affect water resources now require major revision.
According to Mr. Bloschl, the analysis was not based on physical models but rather on actual measurements, which examined how much the amount of available water had changed in response to changes in the environment.
Scientists may now make forecasts for the future, when global temperatures will have risen, by observing how sensitive changes in climate parameters are in connection to local water availability.
These findings demonstrate that the hazards that climate change poses to water supplies around the globe have in fact been overestimated. For instance, this new dataset forecasts a far larger probability of water crises by 2050 than was previously predicted, particularly in North America, Australia, and Africa.
Commenting on the findings, Mr Bloschl said: “The climatology community today has a very good understanding of the effects of climate change on the atmosphere.However, what consequences this can have locally on rivers and the availability of water falls within the field of hydrology.
“So far, discharge measurements have usually not been included in the models currently used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. With the series of measurements now available, it should now be possible to adapt the underlying physical prediction models accordingly.”
Companies will be happy to learn that there is plenty that can be done in this regard to assist lessen the burden on local supplies and minimize their water impact.
An excellent place to start is to have a water audit performed across your entire site, as this will highlight any weak or vulnerable areas that can be fixed to assist reduce water wastage.
Consider ongoing water bill monitoring as well, as this will spot any inconsistencies or spikes in usage right away and give you time to implement the best water-saving strategies.
Water conservation benefits both business and the environment by reducing waste water outflow.
Source:H2o Building Services
