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Thirsty or Flooded: Changing Hydrological System
How does the assigned BlueYouth theme relate to your country?
The assigned BlueYouth theme for Australia and India is ‘Thirsty or Flooded: Changing Hydrological System’, which is extremely relevant to both countries at this point of time. Particularly, in Australia, different regions of the country are affected by severe inundation or severe droughts, exemplified by the recent weather in Southern Australia compared to that in Northern Dry Tropics. The Australian continent is commonly affected by the hydrological system – the movement and interaction of water within an environment. The hydrologic cycle brings sustenance for life’s resources as well as the devastating events of floods and droughts to the nation, destroying communities and habitats.
How does it relate to your country pairing?
India, similar to Australia, is affected by both devastating floods and extensive droughts with low water cleanliness and high water scarcity. The changing hydrological system is currently ravaging through the Indian subcontinent, ruining crops, lives and residencies. It was reported by the Indian Government that 330 million local citizens were affected by the results of the water scarcity crisis throughout 2015. Contrariwise, it was established that 3 million people were isolated due to the 2015 Southern Indian Floods. Therefore, the BlueYouth theme ‘Thirsty or Flooded: Changing Hydrological System’ directly relates to India in the present time.
What is the current state of this BlueYouth theme?
As mentioned above, depending on the region involved, the BlueYouth theme is in various current states. The monsoonal areas are classified as ‘thirsty’ while southern-central areas are presently in phases of ‘flood’. However, as a whole nation, Australia is receiving less rainfall, as temperatures are increasing. The country experienced the fifth-warmest year on record with the annual national mean temperature 0.83oC above the average. Additionally, Australia’s mean rainfall in 2015 was 5% below the average of 465.2mm with 443.7mm of rain (Bureau of Meteorology, 2016). Therefore, based on the data present, Australia can be classified under the ‘Thirsty’ category of the hydrological system.
In what direction does this theme seem to be evolving in your country and how does this compare with how you would like it to evolve?
The changing hydrological cycle within Australia is transforming with greater distinction in the variations. A key statistic from CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology released in 2014 was that Australia is experiencing a temperature increase of more than 5oC by the end of century in addition to the reduced rainfall predicted to affect the continent in the near future. This data suggests that Australia is transitioning into a dry period, encompassing the natural threat of droughts and water insufficiency. However, by employing effective water level monitoring strategies, and conserving water sufficiently, Australia will be able to manage through the changing hydrological system.
What strategies to combat climate change and address these interrelated issues do you think are the best/worst for your country?
The topic of climate change is in the forefront of all major political and environmental discussions with Australia, due to the threat of losing the natural heritage sites surrounding the country. As a result, focus has been shifted from whether is a fact or myth, to how to prevent the devastating effects and conserving the natural beauty and well-being of the environment. The best strategies evolve from recognising the causes, effects and consequences of climate change and how to limit the results. Many towns within Australia currently experiencing a severe drought, have employed water conservation methods through water restrictions. Conversely, the worst possibility for the future preservation of the Australian climate and environment is ignorance from significant roles in Australian governing and high carbon emitting and water consuming businesses and residents. This could not only affect the Australian environment through flooding and droughts but also the Australian citizens through water shortage and inundation.
Extra Resources
Harvey N, Hopley D, Smithers SG, Woodroffe CD (2007) Chapter 21 Vulnerability of geomorphological features in the Great Barrier Reef to climate change. In Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef, eds. Johnson JE and Marshall PA. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Australian Greenhouse Office, Australia
BoM (2016). ‘Annual Climate Statement 2015’. Accessed fromhttp://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/annual/aus/2015/
