Urban growth, climate change, and freshwater availability
Urban growth and climate change will significantly impact freshwater availability for cities in developing countries by 2050, affecting nearly 1 billion people.
(Generated with the help of GPT-4)
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Report location: | source |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | |
| Authors: | Balazs M. Fekete, Carmen Revenga, Deborah Balk, Mark Montgomery, Megan Todd, Pamela Green, Robert I. Mcdonald, Robert I. Mcdonald, Pamela Green, Deborah Balk, Balazs M. Fekete, Carmen Revenga, Megan Todd, Mark Montgomery |
| Time horizon: | 2050 |
| Geographic focus: | Developing Countries, Global |
Methods
The research method involved using a detailed hydrologic model, demographic projections, and climate change scenarios to estimate per-capita water availability for major cities in the developing world. The study focused on the physical availability of water near cities without considering water delivery or quality issues.
(Generated with the help of GPT-4)
Key Insights
This research examines the impact of urban growth and climate change on freshwater availability in major cities of the developing world by 2050. Using demographic projections and hydrologic models, the study predicts that 150 million people currently live in cities with perennial water shortages, which could rise to nearly 1 billion due to population growth, and an additional 100 million due to climate change. The research suggests that freshwater ecosystems and fish populations will be at risk, especially in regions with rapid urbanization and high levels of fish endemism. The study emphasizes the need for significant investment to secure water supplies and protect freshwater ecosystems for future generations.
(Generated with the help of GPT-4)
Additional Viewpoints
Categories: 2050 time horizon | 2050s time horizon | Developing Countries geographic scope | English publication language | Global geographic scope | climate change | demographic projections | fish populations | forecasting | freshwater | freshwater availability | freshwater ecosystems | general circulation model | global rural–urban mapping program | global warming | hydrologic model | intergovernmental panel on | investment needs | scenarios | urban growth | urbanization | water | water shortage