With there being minimal increase in precipitation we will see that directly impact evaporation. Pretty soon there's bound to be conflict over who owns the rights to certain water. In taking a Colorado History class I found out that it can create quite a stir. Touching back to my first paragraph, with the increase in temperature this leads to more polar ice caps melting thus making the risk of coastal flooding more prevelant. Being that New Zealand is an island surrounded by water, the IPCC predicts that by 2050 New Zealand will be at a great risk for sea-level rising and coastal flooding.
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Here are four maps of New Zealand that show projected changes in temperature and precipitation in the next 50 & 100 years. http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/climate/nz-fifth-national-communication/page7.html |
I would say the biggest threat to New Zealand is sea-level rise combined with coastal flooding. This poses huge threats to the nations people who live near the coast. In taking oceanography prior to this class I learned that nearly 40% of the USA's population lives on the coast. To no surprise New Zealand also has 65% of their population living near the coast. With statistics indicating that we in store for an increase in temperature, more and more sea ice will be melting. This will in effect raise the level of the oceans. All of these people living near the coasts will be forced to re-locate. Being that New Zealand is a country of two islands this doesn't leave people with a lot of options. If the sea level rises too much theny coastal flooding will also occur. This will affect certain areas of agricultural production. There is such a snowball effect from sea-level rise, that is why I figured it was the biggest threat to the island nation of New Zealand.
Nice post Matt. It seems coastal flooding is the largest problem with most countries in the future. It will be interesting to see how the people will react to their homes being threatened.
ReplyDeleteMatt,
ReplyDeleteMy county Yemen will also be effected by flooding. Very nice organized posts!
Thanks,
Megan