Is global warming causing droughts?
April 6th, 2008 by Jim JustOne of the predicted consequences of global warming is increased drought. It looks like that prediction is already proving true.
Spain in general and Catalonia in particular are experiencing unprecedented drought. Water reserves across Spain have dropped to under 50% of capacity. In Barcelona, water reserves have dropped to less than 20% of capacity. If they drop below 15%, the water from the dams cannot be used. To cope with the crisis, the city is spending 22 million euros ($34.4 million) to bring five days worth of water in by boat from other parts of Europe.
Across the globe in China, Beijing and the surrounding area are experiencing the worst drought in 57 years. Drinking water supplies for millions of people and 19.4 million hectares of crops in the “breadbasket” of the country are at risk. To add to the problem, overtaxed aquifers in the area have been dropping by one to two meters in a year. As a consequence, 50,000 wells have gone dry.