Climate change: Drought and water shortage endanger South Africa's future!

Climate change: Drought and water shortage endanger South Africa's future!

In recent years, South Africa has changed noticeably due to geodynamic processes. Current GPS measurements show that the subcontinent is rising by an average of six millimeters per year between 2012 and 2020. Dr. Makan Karegar from the Institute for Geodesy and Geoinformation at the University of Bonn explains that various geodynamic phenomena are suspected as possible causes for this ongoing phenomenon, including the hypothesis of a mantle plume beneath the Earth's crust. A new theory is also being investigated that focuses on the loss of groundwater and surface water. This phenomenon could also contribute significantly to the uplift of the earth's surface, which is associated with regional droughts.

Analysis of rainfall patterns in South Africa has revealed interesting parallels between prolonged periods of drought and elevation. These findings are supported by data from the GRACE satellite mission, which measures changes in gravitational forces. Although the spatial resolution of these data is low, they demonstrate the connection between lower water masses and greater rise, further supporting the hypothesis that drought and water mass loss are a key factor in Earth bulging. Drying out landscapes lead to measurable bulging, which can also serve as an indicator of upcoming droughts.

From drought to water scarcity

Between 2015 and 2019, South Africa experienced a drastic drought that brought the country close to catastrophic “Day Zero” – a point at which Cape Town was at risk of being left without water. Much of the country's water resources are hidden beneath the earth's surface and accessed through wells. The developments surrounding GPS technology and its application for monitoring these water reserves are therefore particularly relevant. Stationary GPS receivers play a crucial role here by monitoring the status of water resources and helping to regulate their use in a timely manner.

The growing problem of water shortage is further exacerbated by climate change. Changes in rainfall patterns and an altered water cycle are leading to more frequent and intense droughts in certain regions, including South Africa. At the same time, other areas, such as parts of the Amazon basin, receive more rainfall. However, this uneven distribution of precipitation not only affects the amount of water available, but also its quality. This can lead to contamination, particularly in floodplains, while dry areas suffer from pollutant concentrations.

Technological solutions and political measures

To meet the challenges of climate change and water supply, technological solutions and sustainable water management are necessary. Using GPS data to improve water management could be a valuable part of future strategies. Innovative approaches such as intelligent water management and rainwater harvesting are essential to meet water needs in a changing environment.

Long-term perspectives show that water availability and quality are significantly influenced by climate change. Policy measures for integrated water resource management are essential, as is international cooperation to address the diverse challenges of water scarcity and the associated social, economic and political tensions. Sustainable use of water is not just a local but a global challenge.

Developments in South Africa highlight the need for a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between climate change, water management and societal needs, which must form the basis for future strategies.

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