Water, Climate Change, Food and Population Growth

摘要

This paper provides a global look at the water resources at the World scale, with a perspective for the middle of the 21~(st) century. The likely consequences of climate change are first considered, for both average and extreme events. Situations of water scarcity and droughts, as well as water resources increase are considered. The global water needs for food production are discussed, given the predicted demographic growth and the potential competition between food production and bio-energy production. The potential for major food shortages in case of severe global droughts (e.g. during very strong El Ni?o events) is discussed. The consequences of climate change and food requirements for ecosystems and biodiversity conservation are discussed. Potential solutions are listed.