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UN Information Sheet 13: Water resources
This information sheet begins by acknowledging that the climate models predict greater global precipitation in response to a rise in the air's CO2 content, saying that this phenomenon "will result in a wetter world."  Two sentences later, however, it is stated in Point 2 that "precipitation will probably increase in some areas and decline in others, as if both trends were equally likely.  And in Point 4, the latter of these two outcomes is emphasized, when it is stated that "arid and semi-arid regions will therefore be particularly sensitive to reduced rainfall," even though it is stated in Point 2 that "climate models are still unable to make precise regional predictions."  What is more, it is stated in Point 3 that "downpours will become more intense" and that "this would increase floods and runoff while reducing the ability of water to infiltrate the soil."  Clearly, whether it rains more or less, the authors of this information sheet seem determined to conclude that moisture-sensitive regions (arid and semi-arid lands) and enterprises (grain production, Point 5) will suffer from reduced soil moisture availability in "a wetter world."  It really makes one want to question nearly everything they say.  So we will.

Point 6 says that "the effects on the tropics are harder to predict."  Fortunately, they do not elaborate.  Point 7 says that "reservoirs and wells would be affected," which again would seem to mean "adversely affected," as almost no outcome of climate change is portrayed in this document as being beneficial.  A good example of this fact is contained in the explanatory text of this very bullet point, when it is stated that "changes at the surface would influence the recharging of groundwater supplies and, in the longer term, aquifers."  In "a wetter world," wouldn't we expect these changes in groundwater and aquifer recharge to be increases?  And wouldn't we call these increases beneficial?

Point 8 states that "new patterns of runoff and evaporation will also affect natural ecosystems."  Sure they will, if they happen.  And if the world is as stressed for water as the document's authors suggest in so many other places, the vast majority of these natural ecosystems will likely be "affected" in a positive way.

Point 9 claims that "rising seas could invade coastal freshwater supplies."  It's possible they could, if sea levels actually rise.  But even if they do rise, coastal freshwater supplies may not be invaded by seawater.  As is stated in Point 9 of Information Sheet 11, for example, freshwater supplies in coastal zones could be "less vulnerable depending on changes in freshwater inflows," which would surely be greater in "a wetter world" of "increased runoff."

Point 10 says that "reduced water supplies would place additional stress on people, agriculture, and the environment," while Point 11 suggests that "conflicts could be sparked by the additional pressures."  It is amazing what one can conclude when starting from the assumption that there will be "reduced water supplies" in "a wetter world."

What can possibly save us from this increased-rainfall-induced reduction in water supplies?  Point 12 provides the answer: "regulations … and taxes."

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