A groundbreaking study led by researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California has revealed alarming projections for coastal freshwater supplies. According to the study, seawater intrusion could infiltrate underground freshwater sources in approximately three out of every four coastal areas worldwide by the year 2100.
This significant encroachment of seawater poses a dual threat: rendering water in some coastal aquifers undrinkable and unsuitable for irrigation, and endangering vital ecosystems. Additionally, the intrusion is expected to lead to the corrosion of essential infrastructure, exacerbating the challenges faced by coastal communities.
The JPL team emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, highlighting the need for sustainable water management practices and innovative solutions to protect freshwater resources. As coastal populations continue to grow and climate change intensifies, the study serves as a crucial call to action for policymakers, scientists, and communities to collaborate in safeguarding the planet's freshwater future.
Reference(s):
Study suggests seawater intrusion could affect underground freshwater
cgtn.com
