Irrational Use
How much remains?
The evidence to date shows that only a fraction of the aquifer’s reserves has been tapped so far. However, future projections for the entire aquifer indicate that total annual groundwater abstraction will more than double in a 50 to 100 year period. Can the NSAS reserves meet projected future demand, and for how many years of ‘mining’? The answer is a definite ‘maybe’.
Over-abstraction and irrigation
What is clear is that some over-abstraction has begun to take place. The depletion of sub-basins can leave underground areas and oases dry. This can increase desertification processes which in turn can lead to ecosystem and habitat destruction. Agriculture also poses many threats such as over-abstracting groundwater for irrigation which can lead to the ‘salinization’ of land and soil
From ‘virtual’ water to climate change
Other pressures on the NSAS include a new interesting modern phenomenon -- the export of ‘virtual water’ contained in agricultural products. Climate change is another factor in the overall equation that is growing in importance, and also in mystery. Here, the main question is about how people can adapt to environments faced with climate change impacts, and what types of policies are most effective in supporting wise adaptation.
top
site map
email
print