In a recent study by NASA, the decline of fresh water has been analyzed using data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites. The study warns of the danger of the drastic reduction of global fresh water reserves.
The GRACE satellites allow measuring variations in the water mass above and below the Earth’s surface, providing precise data on the amount of water stored in ecosystems.
Signs of a New Drought Phase
According to a report published in Surveys in Geophysics, the total amount of fresh water has decreased abruptly since 2014. This phenomenon could indicate a persistent new phase of drought that threatens both ecosystems and human societies.
Matthew Rodell, a hydrologist at the Goddard Space Flight Center at NASA and author of the study, pointed out that “13 of the 30 most intense droughts in the world observed by GRACE occurred since January 2015”.
As aquifers are depleted, communities extract more water, creating a dangerous cycle of overexploitation. This process not only worsens water scarcity but can also lead to the desertification of fertile lands and the loss of essential crops.
Michael Bosilovich, a meteorologist at NASA’s Goddard Center, explained that “the increase in temperatures increases both the evaporation of water from the surface to the atmosphere and the water retention capacity of the atmosphere. This intensifies the frequency and intensity of drought conditions”.
Consequences for Public Health and Global Stability
The danger of fresh water scarcity has a direct impact on public health. The lack of access to safe drinking water increases the risk of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and diarrhea, which can turn into deadly epidemics in regions with poor water infrastructure.
At a global level, this scenario of “water stress” can generate social and political tensions, as competition for water can lead to conflicts and forced migrations.
The Role of Climate Change and Water Management
The report also highlights that the decline of fresh water intensified with the drought in Brazil and quickly spread to other regions such as South America, Europe, and Africa.
Scientists suspect that climate change is contributing to the water crisis and point out that water management policies have not been effective in mitigating this phenomenon.
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