New York City Might Face Water Stress Conditions by 2050

A study examined climate risks for the most-populated US regions in the next thirty years, including the threats of wildfire, heatwave, water stress, flooding, storm and extreme cold. It stated that New York City might face severe water stress conditions by the year 2050.

The term water stress includes both lesser water availability caused due to reduced rainfall and increased water demand from the population. The demand for water keeps on increasing with the decrease in water availability. The research incorporated all five NYC boroughs – Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island.

Image: Sujon Adhikary

The New York City area came somewhat below Cook County in Illinois that comprises Chicago, and scored 46 for water stress. The research was published by S&P Global Sustainable1, the sustainability arm of global credit rating company S&P.

Out of the 10 counties analyzed, the research found that Maricopa in Arizona was most exposed to climate risks, scoring 82. It was followed by Riverside, San Diego and Los Angeles regions in California scored 82, 80 and 79 respectively.

Image: S&P Global Sustainable 1

The US experienced a devastating summer this year, a record-breaking heatwave in the Pacific Northwest that led to around 600 deaths as western states have suffered from continued wildfires over millions of domains, showing the disastrous side of nature.

Also Read: California Continues to Burn – Who’s to Blame?

Wildfires are commonly seen in California and according to a study, intense temperature surroundings are leading toward severe drought conditions.

Steve Bullock, managing director and global head of ESG Innovation and Solutions at S&P Global Sustainable1 said;

Extreme heat waves, forest fires and flash flooding have impacted lives across the country this year, but our analysis shows that the future risk of water stress will be the most significant under a moderate scenario for projected temperature increases by 2050 assigned to the largest US counties by population.

Some changes are meant to happen but we can’t really do anything about it. Nevertheless, climate change can be halted if humankind acts in unity and strictly.

Water crisis is one of the consequences of climate change. Running out of water directly implies running out of life. Some advanced analytics are required to enquire the future risks along with its solutions before it is too late.

Via: Independent