Those who deny the existence of the climate crisis and global warming are likely ignoring all the visible evidence. Droughts that plague many parts of the world have become the norm, and wildfires in Europe and Australia, which claim the lives of many people and animals, no longer surprise us. We have also grown accustomed to torrential downpours and floods affecting the globe. Now, scientists have delivered more grim news: future groundwater may become undrinkable.

It is certain that humans need water to survive, which is why climate activists and scientists frequently stress the urgent need for immediate action. Unfortunately, many people dismiss the facts they present, which indicate that the Earth is getting warmer and water is becoming scarcer. Unfortunately, the alarming stream of news continues as hydrologists now fear that humanity may face widespread death from thirst in the future.

We often discuss the weather changes we witness firsthand. Storms, floods, and droughts frequently make front-page news and headlines, which is crucial for raising public awareness and education. However, the problem of global warming extends beyond these visible changes. Hydrologists are now highlighting a critical issue: the risk of groundwater becoming toxic. Rising temperatures could render this vital water source undrinkable by the end of the century.

"The world's highest groundwater warming rates can be expected at locations with a shallow groundwater table and/or high atmospheric warming. There are already about 30 million people living in regions where the groundwater is warmer than stipulated in the strictest drinking water guidelines," says Dr Susanne Benz from the Institute of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

"Our results show how important it is to take action to protect groundwater and find lasting solutions to counteract the negative impact of climate change on groundwater," Benz adds.

Source: geekweek.interia.pl