Possible effects of global warming on agriculture and water resources in Saudi Arabia: Impacts and responses
2002
E04713
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Details
Title
Possible effects of global warming on agriculture and water resources in Saudi Arabia: Impacts and responses
Author
Alkolibi, F.M.
Publication Date
2002
Call Number
E04713
Summary
This study assesses the possible impact of climatic change on Saudi Arabia's agriculture and water supplies using climatic change scenarios from GCMs (General Circulation Models) and related research. The resulting assessment indicates that an increase in temperature and decrease in precipitation could have a major negative impact on agriculture and water supplies in Saudi Arabia. To find signs of climatic change in Saudi Arabia a preliminaryassessment of systematic changes in temperature and precipitation was made, based on the records of four Saudi weather stations. The analysis of this data, which dates back to 1961, shows no discernable signs of climatic change during the study period. Such data is, however, limited both spatially and temporally and cannot provide conclusive evidence to confirm climatic changes projected by GCMs. Nevertheless, in the light of recent climatic conditions and rapid population growth, Saudi decision-makers are urged to adopt a `no regret' policy. Ideally, such a policy would include measures to avoid future environmental or socioeconomic problems that may occur in the event of significant climatic change.
Journal Citation
54(1/2):225-245, CLIMATIC CHANGE
Contact Information
harvest@worldveg.org
Record Appears in
Research > Published Articles