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US Faces Alarming Water, Crop Crises
5 Jan
Summary
- Average rainfall declining by 1% every 11 years since 1995.
- Relative humidity dropped 5.3% over the last 30 years.
- Effective US rainfall declines 2-3% per decade.
- Drier soil leads to faster evaporation and higher temperatures.
The United States is predicted to experience diminished water availability and deteriorating crop yields if climate trends continue, according to a recent study. Data analysis reveals a significant decline in rainfall amounts, especially since 1995, with average rainfall decreasing by approximately one percent every 11 years.
Furthermore, the study highlights a substantial drop in relative humidity over the past three decades, contributing to faster evaporation. This reduction means that rainfall is less effective for agriculture and water supply, leading to an estimated decline of two to three percent per decade in effective U.S. rainfall.
Experts warn that these trends, if they persist, could lead to more frequent wildfires, less available water, and shrinking crop-growing areas. Drier soil, a consequence of reduced moisture, can trap solar heating, driving up temperatures and creating a cycle of increasing drought and heat.
