Experts warn of drought: Turkey in the second most risky category in 2040
According to international studies, Turkey is in the category of the country with the second highest risk of drought in 2040. The amount of usable water has decreased by 10 percent in the last 2 years.
Turkish Nature Conservation Association (TTKD) Scientific Advisor Dr. Erol Kesici stated that the number one crisis of 2022 is the ‘water problem’ and drew attention to the ‘drought’ problem for 2023.
Explaining that the amount of usable water in Turkey decreased from 112 billion to 100 billion cubic meters in 2 years, Dr. Kesici warned that according to the World Water Stress Map, Turkey will be one of the countries that will suffer from water scarcity by 2040.
TTKD science consultant, retired lecturer, hydrobiologist Dr. Erol Kesici stated that the number one crisis of 2022 is the water problem. Erol Kesici emphasized that the cost of mistakes would be very heavy, and that the determinant of the future and real wealth is water. Noting that if there is water, life can exist, Dr. Kesici explained that at least a quarter of the world’s population suffers from extreme thirst, and that there are droughts in many countries where even tap water is not available.
TURKEY IS IN THE SECOND RISK CATEGORY IN 2040
Explaining that there is an extremely high or high degree of water shortage in half of Turkey’s lands, Dr. We will be one of the countries that will suffer from water scarcity and be most affected by the climate crisis. It is also stated that the groundwater of our country is at very serious risk and that it will experience a very severe drought. Turkey ranks 27th among the world’s countries where 17 countries are shown as ‘extremely high’ in water problem and is in the second most risky category.
THE AMOUNT OF WATER IS 100 BILLION CUBIC METERS
Noting that the decrease in groundwater will create a devastating synergistic effect with drought for the future of agricultural production, Dr. metre. Approximately 46 billion cubic meters of this water is used for irrigation, 15 billion cubic meters for drinking-use and industry, and 61 billion cubic meters for sectors. In the last 20 years, water consumption in our country has increased by 42%.
THE NEED WILL RISE MORE IN 2023 AND AFTER
Expressing that the need for agriculture, industry and domestic use has increased, Dr. Pointing out that irregular migration has also increased the need for water excessively, Kesici said, “For these reasons, water demand is expected to exceed 100 percent in 2023 and beyond. billion cubic meters. According to this prediction, it can be said that the annual total water resources may be depleted. It is an important indicator that the water levels in water resources become almost bottom water due to extreme drought, and in many regions, water cannot be obtained by drilling even at depths of 100-500 meters.
AMOUNT OF WATER PER PERSON DECREASED TO 1000 TONS
Explaining that the amount of water per capita in Turkey approached 5 thousand tons in the 1980s, it decreased to 1800 tons after 1995 and to 1000 thousand tons in recent years. Kesici warned that if it continues in this way, it will fall below 1000 tons. Reminding that many lakes have disappeared in the Lake District, Dr. Kesici said, “Water, which is not appreciated in its abundance, is equivalent to death in its absence. For example, 88 percent of breast milk is water. The future and true wealth.”
WATER LAW PROPOSAL
Emphasizing that the Water Law should be enacted in order to protect Turkey’s gradually decreasing and deteriorating water assets, Dr. Cutter made the following suggestions:
“Agricultural production in Turkey is the activity with the highest water footprint. According to the climate, soil and water characteristics of our basins; Advanced techniques should be applied in the fields of tillage and improvement, irrigation, product selection and diversification, seed improvement, pest control, and prevention of harvest losses.
It will directly affect the water footprint positively and support the balance of conservation and use of water resources. Water resources, air and soil, dehydrated-humidity and excessive pollution will increase the need for them. In order to meet the related increase, good management of these resources and their efficient and sustainable use have become mandatory.
