The world is “woefully unprepared” for the risks of increased flooding, droughts and potential conflict that could result from the impacts of climate change on fresh water supplies from mountains, according to scientists attending a summit at the World Meteorological Organisation in Geneva. Such supplies, which provide around 50% of all drinking water, are becoming increasingly unpredictable as temperature increases affect glaciers, precipitation patters and river levels. “The situation has become so critical that we need to take urgent action now,” said Dr David Carlson, director general of WWF. Scientists warned that dams and irrigation systems will need to be redesigned to cope with such changes.
The world is “woefully unprepared” for the risks of increased flooding, droughts and potential conflict that could result from the impacts of climate change on fresh water supplies from mountains, according to scientists attending a summit at the World Meteorological Organisation in Geneva. Such supplies, which provide around 50% of all drinking water, are becoming increasingly unpredictable as temperature increases affect glaciers, precipitation patters and river levels. This has led to flash floods in areas such as the Alps and droughts in Chile. Scientists warned that dams and irrigation systems will need to be redesigned to cope with such changes.