Cape Town could soon dry up after dismal rainfall left city dams almost empty. Residents and visitors are being asked to restrict usage to essentials. Households using more than 10,500 liters (2,773 gallons) per day will now be fined or have water management devices installed on their properties,
Cape Town is experiencing the worst drought to hit South Africa in decades. The city's water reserves can only last a few more months. when all the reservoirs are empty could be in early May. The authorities are already preparing for the worst. Once 'Day Zero' kicks in, there will be 200 water points stationed across the city. Each resident will receive 25 liters of water per day.
Cape Town has been affected by a series of extreme weather patterns; from waves that were 8 meters (26 feet) high crashing against shorelines, to wildfires fanned by strong winds that killed seven people and destroyed property. But the biggest problem, for now, is the water shortage.
One of South Africa's leading environmental lawyers, Terry Winstanley, says the city is quickly running out of options. "The prognosis long term is that the city can expect to receive less rainfall than it has historically. A possible other solution will be mobile desalination plants, which could address a short-term need," she said.
According to a new study more than a quarter of Earth's land surface will become significantly drier, even if the global warming limit of two degrees, as laid down in the Paris Agreement, is reached.
Cape Town is experiencing the worst drought to hit South Africa in decades. The city's water reserves can only last a few more months. when all the reservoirs are empty could be in early May. The authorities are already preparing for the worst. Once 'Day Zero' kicks in, there will be 200 water points stationed across the city. Each resident will receive 25 liters of water per day.
Cape Town has been affected by a series of extreme weather patterns; from waves that were 8 meters (26 feet) high crashing against shorelines, to wildfires fanned by strong winds that killed seven people and destroyed property. But the biggest problem, for now, is the water shortage.
One of South Africa's leading environmental lawyers, Terry Winstanley, says the city is quickly running out of options. "The prognosis long term is that the city can expect to receive less rainfall than it has historically. A possible other solution will be mobile desalination plants, which could address a short-term need," she said.
According to a new study more than a quarter of Earth's land surface will become significantly drier, even if the global warming limit of two degrees, as laid down in the Paris Agreement, is reached.
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