Human water management impacts can rival the effects of global warming
In short: Researchers using seven global hydrological models found that direct human interventions, such as building dams and withdrawing water for industry and agriculture, significantly alter the water cycle. In certain regions, these human-driven changes are as large as, or even greater than, the impacts expected from moderate global warming.
The study compared various climate projections against human impacts like irrigation and water storage. While the models showed some variation, they generally projected that irrigation needs will rise as global temperatures increase, particularly threatening water security in southern and eastern Asia.
The researchers used a multi-model approach to simulate different temperature targets, though the findings are subject to the inherent spread in model projections.
Why it matters: Managing human water use is just as vital as addressing climate change for future water security.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Research: Haddeland et al. (2013). Global water resources affected by human interventions and climate change. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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