What Caused "Day Zero"?


Image result for cape town

Everyone agrees that water is a necessity. In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, it is one of the first things that people need to survive in this world. What happens if all of a sudden, people have to cut down the amount of water they take in for both drinking and cleaning? The obvious answer is outrage, riots, and panic. That is what is currently happening in Cape Town.

Because of a 3-year long drought, previously full reservoirs are running out of water to keep the cosmopolitan city running. The people are complaining. They pay taxes to live comfortably, but in return, they have to minimize their water intake to make sure everyone gets enough water for the day. There is a projection in mid-July called "Day Zero", or the day when most of the city's taps will be turned off to conserve water. What caused this tragedy to occur? Two words: climate change.

Image result for cape town water crisisAccording to National Geographic, about a decade ago, the city was warned that its current population growth and shifts will lead to climate change. That means drier, hotter weather with less winter fall and reduced stream falls. In other words, they have to find another source to find drinkable water. However, by human nature, people did not really see the problem coming until it is right in front of them.

They were overconfident that there will not be a drought, despite being warned so. People heavily relied on previous data acquired, but with the rate that the climate is changing, they are no longer as accurate. Any extreme weather events can happen, and the only way to actually prepare for it is to try our best to prevent the climate from changing even more.


https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/02/cape-town-running-out-of-water-drought-taps-shutoff-other-cities/

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