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World's Rivers Running Low: Study

By Mat Probasco,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 22, 2009 4:50 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The world’s rivers are drying up as climate change worsens and the demand for water increases, the BBC reports. Researchers studying 925 major waterways—from the Ganges to the Colorado—found significantly less fresh water flowing into oceans in 2004 than 50 years earlier. If the trend continues, the growing global population could face shortages—with dire results.

Human activity, such as dam-building and water diversion for agriculture, are responsible for much of the reduction, noted the study, which also pointed to the effects of changing rainfall patterns and increasing evaporation. The only rivers that saw an increase in flow were in parts of the Arctic and Asia, likely due to melting glaciers.

Water levels in the Mississippi River and other major waterways are in serious decline, researchers said.
Water levels in the Mississippi River and other major waterways are in serious decline, researchers said.   (AP Photo)
The Colorado River and other major waterways around the world have significantly less water than 50 years ago, researchers said.
The Colorado River and other major waterways around the world have significantly less water than 50 years ago, researchers said.   (AP Photo)
Rivers around the world, including the Ganges, are significantly drier than 50 years ago, a new study says.
Rivers around the world, including the Ganges, are significantly drier than 50 years ago, a new study says.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Robert_Dada
Apr 23, 2009 11:46 AM CDT
No coincidence that the big oil companies have been buying up water rights all over the globe. Must profit while making consumers suffer with another scarce commodity.
Snowleopard
Apr 23, 2009 8:06 AM CDT
another retarded response by PaleRider! thx 2-bits for the intelligent explanation (which was probably unnecessary for anyone with even the most basic understanding of climate and environmental science)
atris999
Apr 23, 2009 6:19 AM CDT
Peak water will be gaining more exposure very soon.

Water shortfalls expected in US west
New York Times

Green • World

 
climate change • global warming • glacier • river • drinking water • water shortage • water supply • scientific study • Colorado River • weather data • Ganges River

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