Groundwater Scarcity in the Middle East Increase
Groundwater scarcity is increasing rapidly, increasing the risk of drought in many countries. As rivers dry up and rainfall declines, groundwater storage is becoming more important than ever for the Middle East, a region affected by climate change. No one knows how much underground water is left. Iraq is one of the countries most affected by climate change and drought in the world. But thanks to underground water there was a record wheat production this year. It is because of underground water scarcity that the number of important palm oases in Tunisia has increased and because of this water, agriculture continues in Yemen despite the war. This is also the source of water supply in many of the busy coastal cities of Libya.
Properties of groundwater
Fresh groundwater scarcity is obtained through wells. Groundwater reserves have always played an important role in the drought-prone countries of the Middle East. Because it is underground, it is not as affected by drought and heat. The UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia ESCWA stated in a 2020 report that groundwater is the primary source of water for at least 10 Arab countries. Climate change affects these countries in the form of less rainfall. Extreme hot weather dries up more rivers and lakes and thus groundwater becomes even more important.
Out of sight and Grounded
“Awareness about groundwater scarcity is increasing,” says Annabelle Hodret, a senior researcher at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability, or IDOS, who specializes in groundwater scarcity management in Morocco. The management is closely monitor. He added, “People generally don’t think about it as much as they should because they can’t see it.” If you see a river where the water level drops dramatically, there is an immediate reaction, but groundwater is an imaginary commodity. By the time we know what’s happening to the groundwater, it’s too late.”
How Much Water is Left in the Ground?
The latest information obtained by the GRACE satellites shows. That groundwater scarcity in the Middle East has decreased significantly. Over the past decade. According to a report by the United Nations ESCWA. Local groundwater reservoirs in the region are already being deplete at a rate that cannot be replenish.