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cover of episode Why Climate Matters: Water Scarcity

Why Climate Matters: Water Scarcity

2025/2/12
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Why It Matters
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G
Gabrielle Sierra
M
Mark Giordano
S
Sandra Postel
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Gabrielle Sierra: 我认为世界并非缺少水,而是水的分布和可获取性发生了变化。我们需要关注水资源的可持续利用和管理。 Sandra Postel: 我认为水资源短缺不是因为总量不足,而是因为在需要的地方缺乏可用的水,气候变化正在加速问题的恶化。我们应该更多地谈论长期干旱,而不是干旱,因为我们将看到长期的慢性干燥,这需要与临时干旱不同的应对措施。农业是全球最大的用水户,消耗了约70%的淡水资源,其中大部分被作物蒸腾消耗,无法立即重复利用。我们需要在个人和社会层面做出妥协,并建立以妥协和灵活性为核心的机构。 Mark Giordano: 我认为我们面临的许多关于水资源短缺以及水资源过剩和洪水的问题都是相对较新的。过去我们主要通过建设基础设施来获取和利用水资源,但现在我们需要更好地管理现有水资源,因为没有更多的水可以开发。最重要的是要记住,水是共享资源,不属于任何个人、州或行业,我们必须共同努力。随着供应减少,水资源冲突的可能性增加,但有足够的解决方案来满足不断增长的全球人口的需求,只是无法继续气候变化前的习惯。

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Chapters
This chapter explores the growing issue of water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change. It highlights the impact of droughts, the unequal distribution of water resources, and the inadequacy of current water management systems. The chapter emphasizes the global security implications of water scarcity, including potential for conflict and migration.
  • 1.4 billion people affected by droughts between 2002 and 2021
  • 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water
  • Climate change is making water scarcity worse
  • Water scarcity can lead to migration, economic problems, and conflict

Shownotes Transcript

Fresh water sustains all life, but in many regions, especially arid ones, it is becoming increasingly scarce due to climate change. Aging infrastructure and ineffective policies are only making the situation worse, affecting communities, economies, and even the political stability of some countries. As water shortages intensify, it’s crucial to rethink how we manage this vital resource and develop more adaptable systems that can better withstand the effects of climate change.

 

This episode was originally released on July 8, 2021.

 

Featured Guests

 

Sandra Postel), Founder and Director, Global Water Policy Project

 

Mark Giordano), Professor of Geography and Cinco Hermanos Chair in Environment and International Affairs, Georgetown University

 

For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/water-scarcity)