El global warming It is a phenomenon that has captured worldwide attention due to its devastating effects on the environment. Among these effects, the drought has become one of the most prominent and worrying problems. Various studies claim that global warming will lead to droughts more severe, longer-lasting, and more frequent. However, other studies, such as one conducted by the University of California, Irvine, and the University of Washington, challenge this perspective.
Published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), this research argues that a high concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere allows plants to retain more water in the soil, enabling them to better adapt to high temperatures. This discovery opens a new debate on the impact of CO2 emissions and their influence on agriculture and local ecosystems.
Traditionally, only atmospheric values such as temperature, humidity and precipitation have been considered to assess droughts, using tools such as the Palmer Drought Severity IndexThis index has estimated that more than 70% of the Earth's surface will experience drought if CO100 emissions quadruple compared to pre-industrial levels in 2 years. However, incorporating information on plant water use reduces this figure to 37%This significant difference highlights how CO2 can influence plants' ability to handle water stress.
Carbon dioxide is essential for plant life, as without it plants cannot photosynthesize or grow. To absorb CO2, plants open structures in their leaves called stomata. This process, however, causes the moisture loss. Under conditions of high CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, stomata do not need to remain open for as long, resulting in lower water loss and better adaptation to extreme conditions.
Despite this potential adaptability, severe droughts during periods of extreme heat can be fatal for plants. Under these conditions, plants weaken, which can lead to pests destroying them in a matter of days. Therefore, even if there is a reduction in the frequency of droughts, the consequences can be devastating.
The connection between global warming and droughts
The relationship between global warming and increasing droughts is a complex issue. A recent NASA study has confirmed that droughts And extreme rainfall events are occurring more frequently. Using satellite data, these researchers observed that, from 2015 to 2021, the frequency of extreme hydrometeorological events has increased significantly. This means that, as the planet warms, more severe weather events can be expected.
The floods and droughts represent more than 20% of the economic losses caused by extreme weather events in the United States each year. Scientists have also observed that the intensity of these events is closely linked to global warming. In fact, the warmest years in recent history have coincided with an increase in the intensity and number of these weather events. To understand this phenomenon, it is important to evaluate the causes of global warming, as well as its effects on different ecosystems.
Calculations suggest that warmer air increases the atmosphere's ability to retain moisture, which in turn results in more intense rainfall in some areas. However, it also means that water evaporates more quickly during dry periods, exacerbating drought conditions. This is complemented by findings about the effects of global warming on plant roots, where water availability is compromised.
One result of this phenomenon is that droughts are not only increasing in frequency, but also in duration and intensity. The combination of rising temperatures and a more erratic rainfall pattern has led to the emergence of severe droughts and prolonged in various regions of the planet.
In particular, the western United States has experienced significant changes in the snow Cape since the mid-20th century. These changes are a clear manifestation of the impact of global warming, with snow evaporating more quickly and failing to accumulate enough water to meet demand during the warmer months.
Economic and social impacts of droughts
The droughts have a significant impact not only on the environment, but also on the economy. In California, for example, the agricultural sector suffered estimated losses of more than $ 3.800 million dollars during the 2012-2016 drought. Considering that this state produces more than one-third of the vegetables and two-thirds of the fruits and nuts consumed in the United States, the drought's impact extends beyond state lines, impacting the food supply nationally and internationally.
In turn, droughts affect access to drinking water and hydropower production. Water reserves in reservoirs are declining, exacerbating the situation during periods of high demand, especially during the summer months. Communities that rely on groundwater are also threatened, as the depletion of these resources can lead to increased competition for water and social conflict. The growing demand for water in areas affected by drought due to global warming is an increasingly critical factor.
Furthermore, the droughts increase the risk of forest firesThe combination of prolonged droughts and high temperatures creates a fire-prone environment, which not only destroys ecosystems but also forces communities to evacuate and face significant economic losses. The fire season has extended in length and intensity, posing a new challenge for water resource management and disaster prevention.
The role of water management and sustainable solutions
Given the increase in droughts, it is essential that communities adopt an integrated water resources management approach. This includes:
- Investment in technology and early warning systems: Implement advanced technologies to monitor and manage water more efficiently.
- Water conservation: Promote water conservation practices in agriculture, industry, and among consumers.
- Education and awareness: Inform the population about the importance of water conservation and how they can contribute to mitigating water shortages. drought.
Countries with limited water resources should consider adopting policies that prioritize sustainability and resilience to the droughtsThis is important not only for agriculture, but also for ensuring access to clean water and food security in the future. This approach aligns with the necessary strategies for alert about global warming.
Collaboration between governments, non-governmental organizations, and the community at large is key to developing innovative and effective solutions for water management and climate change adaptation.
The fight against global warming and its effects, such as droughts, requires global commitment and concrete actions at all levels. International cooperation and the implementation of sustainable strategies are vital to alleviate the impact of droughts in vulnerable communities and protect our planet for future generations.