31 - Freshwater Resources

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The biggest issue here is the disappearance of the glaciers. They serve as reservoirs of fresh water in solid form and melt to supply downstream irrigation for crops.

3
Causes

Freshwater Resources

Melting glaciers threaten water supplies. Indeed, the relative importance of glacier melt water in summer can be considerable, contributing for example to 25% of August flows in the basins draining the European Alps, with an area of about 105 km2 and only 1% glacial cover. Their disappearance could be catastrophic for cities located in valleys watered by rivers flowing down from the surrounding mountains and for freshwater fauna. Glacier meltwater also increases in importance during droughts and heat waves.


Freshwater Resources


Freshwater Resources

Flooding can lead in some cases to contamination of freshwater resources and affect drinking water systems.


2
Consequences

Decline in Agricultural Yields

Freshwater Resources


Freshwater Resources


1
Other possible cause

Freshwater Resources

If seawater rises, it can penetrate the water tables, which are freshwater reserves.


1
Other possible consequence

Freshwater Resources

If we consider that hunger and famines are not only a lack of food but also a lack of water.