This article discusses the impact of climate change on the water cycle, leading to more frequent and intense droughts and floods. Climate change is increasing the atmosphere's capacity to hold moisture, resulting in heavier downpours and prolonged periods of dryness. The article also highlights the effects on snowpack, sea levels, and the intensity of hurricanes and cyclones.
Prolonged droughts, wildfires, and water shortages. Torrential downpours that overwhelm dams and cause catastrophic flooding. Around the globe, rising temperatures stoked by climate change are increasing the odds of both severe drought and heavier precipitation that wreak havoc on people and the environment. Rainfall can disappear for years only to return with a vengeance, as it did in California in 2023, with record-setting rain and snowfall.
That led to heavy vegetation growth that provided fuel for the devastating January wildfires in Los Angeles after drought returned.It's all about the water cycle Water constantly moves between the Earth and its atmosphere. But that system — called the hydrological cycle — is speeding up as global temperatures get hotter, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal and gas.Over land, this atmospheric demand and loss of surface moisture leads to longer and more intense droughts, even causing some arid areas to expand. Though rain falls less often, when it does, it's often in intense and destructive deluges. 'Basically, global warming is turning the atmosphere into a bigger sponge so it can soak up more moisture ... and then when the conditions are right for rainfall, it's like squeezing that sponge,' said Jonathan Overpeck, a climate scientist at the University of Michigan. 'You get more moisture coming out faster.'Oceans absorb most of the planet's extra heat. That causes the water to expand and ice to melt at the poles, raising sea levels. The warmer water also provides fuel for larger hurricanes and cyclones that can dump massive amounts of water in a short time. In 2023, for example, heavy one-day rains from Mediterranean storm Daniel caused massive flooding across eastern Libya that overwhelmed two dams, sending a wall of water through the coastal city of Derna that destroyed entire neighborhoods and swept bridges, cars and people out to sea. Climate scientists say climate change made that storm far more likely.Climate change also is affecting snowpack, a critical part of the hydrological cycle. Melting snow helps fill reservoirs and waterways, including for drinking and agriculture. But less snow is falling in general, and what does often is absorbed by thirsty soil. What's more, because winters are becoming warmer overall, the growing season is longer, meaning snowmelt also is being lost through evapotranspiration of plants. But, just like rain, climate change also can cause more intense and sometimes damaging snowstorms. 'All this stuff is related to warming, which we know with perfect confidence is almost all due to human activity,' Overpeck said. 'The good news is, we know how to stop it if we want to.
Climate Change Water Cycle Droughts Floods Precipitation Hurricanes Sea Levels Snowpack
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
WATER PHILIPPINES 2025 showcases water management solutions to address ongoing water crisisWater Philippines 2025 rolls out from March 19 to 21 at SMX Convention Center Manila. The call for an improved water management in the Philippines is
Read more »
Water Philippines 2025 showcases water management solutions that can address ongoing water crisis in PHThe call for an improved water management in the Philippines is getting its much-needed amplification as Water Philippines rolls out its 7th edition from March 19 to 21, 2025 at the Ground Level of the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City.
Read more »
Nauru sells citizenship for climate change effortsSYDNEY, Australia — Pacific microstate Nauru is selling citizenship to fund its retreat from rising seas, President David Adeang told AFP, opening a contentious 'golden passport' scheme as other climate financing runs dry.
Read more »
Pangasinan's climate change programs laudedTHE Climate Change Commission (CCC) applauded the provincial government of Pangasinan for its comprehensive climate resilience strategies and integrated approach to environmental sustainability, disaster preparedness and risk reduction.
Read more »
BTA training links climate change to mental healthEXTREME weather events such as typhoons, floods and droughts continue to threaten 60 percent of our land and 74 percent of the Philippine population. These climate-induced disasters hit rural and farming communities the hardest, disrupting livelihoods, destroying homes and leading to increased mental health concerns.
Read more »
Binay pushes for more DOST-PAGASA funding amid climate change concernsSenatorial candidate and Makati City Mayor Abigail ‘Abby’ Binay has proposed an increase in public funding to improve climate forecasting,
Read more »