Predicted increase in African droughts
According to BBC correspondent Roland Pease, by the end of the century Africa may have 25% less water, causing severe droughts throughout the continent. A study published in the journal “Science” showed that sub-Saharan African would be most vulnerable due to drastic change there.
Managing their water resources will become even more critical than it is now, the authors warn, particularly where major rivers cross borders.
But in parts of East Africa, where rainfall is predicted to increase slightly, the extra water could extend existing swamps and the prevalence of the water-borne diseases they foster.
Either way, the study from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, shows adjusting to the effects of climate change could be even harder in Africa than previously realised.
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