Climate Change and its Impact on Water Health

We will now take a closer look at the impact of climate change on water health and the consequences to the food system.

Climate change is projected to affect the availability and distribution of rainfall, snow melt, river flows and groundwater, and further deteriorate water quality used for food production purposes.

Many regions in the world have experienced an increase in precipitation. The increased flooding and water run-off as a result of these events can pick up animal wastes, pesticides, fertilizers, pollutants and waterborne diseases and allow them to enter into waterways and the food production system.

Conversely, some regions will experience decreased precipitation and longer and more frequent droughts. As a result water sources decline and the concentration of contaminants increases, making them more likely to affect plant, animal and human health. Lack of clean water prevents adequate hydration and disrupts good hygiene and can increase the risk of water washed disease. Periods of drought impact crops and livestock production and increase the price of food.

Please watch the video provided on climate change and water health and share your thoughts on the topic with your fellow learners.