Global Warming May Dry Up Africa's Rivers

Many climate scientists already predict that less rain will fall annually in parts of Africa within 50 years due to global warming.

Now new research suggests that even a small decrease in rainfall on the continent could cause a drastic reduction in river water、the lifeblood for rural populations in Africa.

To predict future rainfall、the scientists compared 21 of what they consider to be the best climate change models developed by research teams around the world. On average、the models forecast a 10 to 20 percent drop in rainfall in northwestern and southern Africa by 2070.
In parts of northern Africa、river water levels would drop below 50 percent.

Unlike other continents、Africa does not have a large mountain range that produces snowmelt、rivers、and precipitation. Less river water may heighten international conflicts、because many African rivers cross international boundaries.

資料來源：National Geographic News、March3