Water Cycle and Climate Change
Summary
*Syllabus: Environment* *Source: IE* **Context: **Climate change has intensified the Earth’s water cycle, leading to extreme precipitation, severe droughts, and disruptions in water availability. • The **2024 Global Water Monitor Report** highlights the grave implications of these changes for ecosystems, agriculture, and global economies. **What is the Water Cycle?** The **water cycle** is the continuous movement of water in different states (solid, liquid, gas) across the Earth and its atmo
Exam Brief
GS-3Climate change is intensifying the water cycle. This leads to extreme weather and impacts water availability. UPSC asks about climate change impacts on natural resources.
Key Facts
- 2024 saw 8,700+ fatalities due to water disasters.
- Record-dry months increased by 38% in 2024 (vs 1995-2005).
- Rainfall records broke 52% more often in 2024 than in 2000.
- Water disasters caused $550 billion in economic damages in 2024.
- Climate change has intensified the water cycle by up to 7.4%.
Prelims — What UPSC Might Ask
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Source Article Content
Syllabus: Environment
Source: IE
**Context: **Climate change has intensified the Earth’s water cycle, leading to extreme precipitation, severe droughts, and disruptions in water availability.
• The 2024 Global Water Monitor Report highlights the grave implications of these changes for ecosystems, agriculture, and global economies. What is the Water Cycle?
The water cycle is the continuous movement of water in different states (solid, liquid, gas) across the Earth and its atmosphere, driven by solar energy and gravity. It ensures water availability and regulates weather patterns.
Components of the Water Cycle:
• Evaporation: Water transforms from liquid to vapor, primarily from oceans, driven by solar energy. • Transpiration: Plants release water vapor into the atmosphere, adding to the moisture content. • Condensation: Water vapor cools in the atmosphere, forming clouds and setting the stage for precipitation. • Precipitation: Water returns to Earth as rain, snow, or sleet, replenishing surface and groundwater. • Infiltration: Water seeps into the soil, recharging aquifers and sustaining vegetation. • Runoff: Water flows over the land into rivers, lakes, and seas, contributing to the hydrological balance. Recent Data on Water Cycle and Climate Change:
• Water Disasters (2024): Over 8,700 fatalities and displacement of 40 million occurred due to extreme water-related events. • Record-Dry Months: A 38% increase in record-dry months was observed in 2024 compared to 1995-2005. • Rainfall Records: Rainfall records were broken 52% more often in 2024 than in the year 2000, indicating heightened precipitation intensity. • Economic Losses: Water-related disasters caused over $550 billion in global economic damages in 2024. • IPCC & Nature Reports: Climate change has intensified the water cycle by up to 7.4%, with long-term effects on rainfall and drought patterns. Impacts of Climate Change on the Water Cycle:
• Negative Impacts: • Increased Evaporation: Higher temperatures cause more evaporation, leading to frequent and severe storms and floods. Drought: Accelerated evaporation and dry air result in prolonged droughts and arid soils. Glacial Melt: Melting glaciers reduce freshwater availability and contribute to rising sea levels. Water Scarcity: Nearly 3 billion people globally face water shortages due to erratic precipitation and depleted sources. Soil Erosion: Heavy rainfall increases runoff, washing away fertile soil and disrupting agriculture. • Increased Evaporation: Higher temperatures cause more evaporation, leading to frequent and severe storms and floods. • Drought: Accelerated evaporation and dry air result in prolonged droughts and arid soils. • Glacial Melt: Melting glaciers reduce freshwater availability and contribute to rising sea levels. • Water Scarcity: Nearly 3 billion people globally face water shortages due to erratic precipitation and depleted sources. • Soil Erosion: Heavy rainfall increases runoff, washing away fertile soil and disrupting agriculture. • Positive Impacts: • Enhanced Vegetation: Regions like the Sahara Desert now support vegetation due to increased precipitation. Improved Rainfall: Wetter areas such as the Sahel benefit from increased rainfall, boosting water availability. • Enhanced Vegetation: Regions like the Sahara Desert now support vegetation due to increased precipitation. • Improved Rainfall: Wetter areas such as the Sahel benefit from increased rainfall, boosting water availability. Solutions to Mitigate Impacts:
• Improved Water Management: Implementing efficient irrigation and conservation practices ensures sustainable water use. • Reforestation: Planting trees restores green water sources and enhances carbon sequestration. • Reducing Emissions: Cutting greenhouse gases slows global warming and mitigates climate-driven water cycle changes. • Enhancing Infrastructure: Building resilient infrastructure prevents damage from floods and ensures water storage during droughts. • Global Cooperation: Countries must enforce water-sharing treaties and adhere to international climate agreements. • Public Awareness: Educating communities about water conservation methods like rainwater harvesting promotes sustainable practices. Conclusion:
The intensification of the water cycle due to climate change presents a global challenge with widespread consequences. Mitigating these effects requires collective action, sustainable water management, and adherence to climate goals to secure a balanced and resilient water future.
Insta Links:
• Climate-change-is-disrupting-the-water-cycle • What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (UPSC-2020) • Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under the depleting scenario. (UPSC-2020)