A study published in Nature highlights how increased temperatures from climate change contribute to atmospheric thirst, intensifying drought impacts and creating a significant imbalance between water supply and demand over the past four decades.
Climate Change Intensifies Drought: The Growing ‘Thirst’ of the Atmosphere
Climate Change Intensifies Drought: The Growing ‘Thirst’ of the Atmosphere
New research reveals that atmospheric conditions are exacerbating droughts, leading to more frequent and severe water shortages.
Recent findings from a study led by hydroclimatologist Solomon Gebrechorkos at the University of Oxford, published in the journal Nature, reveal that climate change is not only leading to reduced rainfall but also creating an atmosphere that is significantly thirstier. This phenomenon is contributing to more severe and frequent droughts, underscoring the importance of considering atmospheric conditions alongside precipitation when evaluating water scarcity.
Observations from agricultural areas in the Great Plains and Western United States illustrate this alarming trend. Center-pivot irrigation systems, designed to provide adequate water to crops, are struggling to keep up with increasing evaporation rates as climate change drives up temperatures. Meetpal Kukal, an agricultural hydrologist from the University of Idaho, notes that many of these irrigation systems, which are now decades old, do not address the rapidly evolving weather patterns.
According to Gebrechorkos, the balance of water supply and demand is similarly disrupted; while rain adds moisture to the surface, higher temperatures lead to increased evaporation rates, further complicating agricultural practices. The study highlights that to understand drought more comprehensively, it's essential to factor in the atmospheric conditions that affect evaporation and crop water demands.
For several decades, studies on drought had primarily focused on precipitation levels, often neglecting the significant role of temperature and other atmospheric factors. Gebrechorkos likens this oversight to managing a budget by only tracking income without considering expenses, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to climate research and future agricultural planning.
Understanding the dynamics of atmosphere-induced drought is crucial for developing strategies that can mitigate the impact of these increasingly frequent climate events, as farmers and policymakers navigate a hotter world. The new findings are a call to action, urging a reassessment of irrigation technology and agricultural practices to adapt to an environment where the atmosphere's thirst poses an ever-growing challenge.
