Summary
A study suggests that human-caused global warming could cause severe water shortages, called "Day Zero Droughts," in the U.S. and other parts of the world sooner than expected. Cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia are at risk of facing these droughts in future decades, with some U.S. cities possibly experiencing them as early as 2020. The study warns that communities may not have enough time to recover between these severe droughts.
Key Facts
- "Day Zero Droughts" refer to extreme water shortages triggered by a mix of less rainfall, lower river flows, and increased water use.
- The study used climate models to predict when these droughts could start, forecasting them in various U.S. cities.
- Washington, D.C., Phoenix, and San Diego could face Day Zero Droughts as early as 2020.
- Chicago and Milwaukee might experience these droughts by 2030.
- The study highlights that droughts may occur more frequently, leaving little time for recovery between events.
- Global warming and increased water demand are major contributors to these potential droughts.
- The term "Day Zero Drought" was originally used for Cape Town, South Africa, which faced such a crisis in 2018.
