In this paper the anthropogenic and also meteorological droughts will be discussed with the effects and problems they arise and how they may be affected by climate change. Additionally, two example cases namely Kazakhstan and South Africa demonstrate how these countries struggle with water stress and droughts. After this, droughts as a positive process response system will be examined to understand the areas that need to be considered when thinking about drought early warning systems and managing water stress due to drought events.
It is commonly acknowledged that the increasing population and economic growth lead to a growing water demand. Especially arid and semi-arid regions suffer from water stress, which is mainly caused by human activities. Since it is widely agreed on that water stress is man-made, it is interesting to discover what role climate change plays in the decrease of water resources and with it in detail the potential of causes for more severe drought events.
Table of Contents
1. Effects of climate change on drought events
1.1 Impact of human activity on the hydrological system
1.2 Water resource situation in Kazakhstan
1.3 Socio-political and economic dimensions of water stress
1.4 Meteorological and soil water drought dynamics
1.5 Droughts as a positive process response system
1.6 Droughts as slow-onset disasters
1.7 Regional case study: South Africa
1.8 Adaptation strategies and drought early warning systems
Objectives and Core Topics
The paper examines the complex interplay between human-induced water stress and the intensification of drought events under the influence of global climate change, aiming to clarify that while climate change exacerbates conditions, anthropogenic activities remain a primary driver of water scarcity.
- Anthropogenic versus meteorological causes of drought
- Positive feedback mechanisms in drought development
- Water management challenges in Kazakhstan and South Africa
- Socio-economic impacts of drought on food and poverty
- Strategic implementation of drought early warning systems (DEWS)
Excerpt from the Book
Effects of climate change on drought events
It is commonly acknowledged that the increasing population and economic growth lead to a growing water demand. Especially arid and semi-arid regions suffer from water stress, which is mainly caused by human activities. Since it is widely agreed on that water stress is man-made, it is interesting to discover what role climate change plays in the decrease of water resources and with it in detail the potential of causes for more severe drought events. Therefore, the anthropogenic and also meteorological droughts will be discussed with the effects and problems they arise and how they may be affected by climate change. Additionally, two example cases namely Kazakhstan and South Africa demonstrate how these countries struggle with water stress and droughts. After this, droughts as a positive process response system will be examined to understand the areas that need to be considered when thinking about drought early warning systems and managing water stress due to drought events.
Summary of Chapters
1. Effects of climate change on drought events: This introductory section establishes the premise that human-induced water demand is the primary driver of water stress, while acknowledging the secondary role of climate change in worsening drought severity.
1.1 Impact of human activity on the hydrological system: This section explores how industrial, agricultural, and population growth directly deplete water resources and disrupt hydrological stability.
1.2 Water resource situation in Kazakhstan: This analysis focuses on how governmental water distribution and anthropogenic factors contribute to water scarcity in Kazakhstan, highlighting regional interdependencies.
1.3 Socio-political and economic dimensions of water stress: This part examines how conflicting interests and development policies exacerbate the problem of water scarcity beyond environmental factors.
1.4 Meteorological and soil water drought dynamics: This section explains the interconnection between rising temperatures, soil infiltration loss, and the resulting meteorological and groundwater droughts.
1.5 Droughts as a positive process response system: This chapter introduces the concept of drought as a self-amplifying cycle where surface heating and lack of vegetation further trigger precipitation shortages.
1.6 Droughts as slow-onset disasters: This section discusses the terminology and development patterns of droughts, characterizing them as disasters that evolve over time due to persistent water stress.
1.7 Regional case study: South Africa: This chapter applies theoretical findings to South Africa, detailing the impacts of extreme drought and heat waves on food security and societal welfare.
1.8 Adaptation strategies and drought early warning systems: The final section emphasizes the necessity of improved water management, irrigation efficiency, and the deployment of DEWS to build resilience.
Keywords
Climate change, Water stress, Anthropogenic drought, Meteorological drought, Drought early warning systems, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Food security, Hydrological system, Surface heating, Evapotranspiration, Sustainability, Water management, Socio-economic factors, Drought resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper primarily investigates the causes of drought events, emphasizing that while climate change intensifies them, anthropogenic factors and human-induced water stress are the main drivers.
What are the core thematic areas?
The core themes include the intersection of human activity and hydrological systems, the role of socioeconomic policies in water distribution, and the self-amplifying nature of drought cycles.
What is the main research question or goal?
The goal is to analyze the role climate change plays in the degradation of water resources and to identify which factors, especially human-led ones, necessitate robust drought management strategies.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The paper employs a comparative case study approach, analyzing water management scenarios in Kazakhstan and South Africa alongside a review of existing climatic and hydrological literature.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the anthropogenic causes of water stress, the physical feedback loops of drought, regional case studies, and the strategic importance of early warning systems.
Which keywords characterize the work?
The research is characterized by terms like anthropogenic drought, hydrological system, water scarcity, drought resilience, and early warning systems.
How does Kazakhstan serve as a specific example?
Kazakhstan is used to illustrate how governmental water distribution and food security demands can lead to severe water stress, often overshadowing the impact of climate change alone.
What is meant by the "positive process response system" regarding droughts?
It describes a cycle where initial drought conditions lead to further environmental degradation—such as surface heating and loss of vegetation—which in turn reduces evapotranspiration and worsens the original drought.
What role does South Africa play in the study?
South Africa provides an empirical example of how extreme droughts and heat waves lead to "Day Zero" scenarios, causing severe societal issues like poverty and food insecurity.
Why are Drought Early Warning Systems (DEWS) considered essential?
DEWS are critical because they allow governments to anticipate precipitation scarcity, adjust water resource management, and implement adaptive agricultural practices to mitigate the impacts of slow-onset disasters.
- Quote paper
- Sophie Stiebig (Author), 2020, Effects of Climate Change on Drought Events, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/994821
