Global Cities Swing Between Flood And Drought
A new study shows that many of the world’s largest cities are being whiplashed by climate change. Over a short period, their weather can turn from droughts to floods, or floods to droughts. WaterAid produced the study.
The research looks at 42 years of water patterns in the world’s largest cities by population. The report says, “Many cities experience “whiplash”; droughts that dry up water sources followed closely by floods that overwhelm infrastructure, destroying sanitation systems and contaminating drinking water.” In other cases, cities that traditionally receive large amounts of rain have experienced long periods of drought.
42-Year Weather Patterns
Cities getting weather include Beijing, Jakarta, and Bogata. Cities getting drier include Barcelona and Cairo. The only US city on the list is San Jose, which is getting drier.
Several huge cities will suffer from combined water and waste infrastructural vulnerability along with these changes. That means a falling level of clean and safe water. Los Angeles is the only US city on this list. The majority are in Asia and include Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney.
Spikes In Air Pollution
The data points to anxiety about the possible effects of climate migration. Cities worldwide face spikes in air pollution, violent storms, and unbearable heat. Add to that water insecurity caused by climate changes.
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