A study conducted in 2005 has broad implications for future global precipitation variance, suggesting that several regional precipitation trends can already be detected and will likely increase in the future due to climate change. In particular, wet regions are increasingly experiencing higher levels of precipitation, and arid areas are witnessing reduced levels and becoming drier.
- Dore, Mohammed H.I. “Climate Change and Changes in Global Precipitation Patterns: What Do We Know?” Environment International 31(8): 1167-1181 (October 2005). Available online 25 May 2005 at www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/01604120
Dore compiles and reviews regional and continental levels of precipitation and is able to draw conclusions regarding rainfall patterns. He attributes the precipitation patterns and variance to climate change and ocean currents. In addition, he links precipitation variance with global food availability and states that food security will be hit hard by climate change.
Implications: Changes in precipitation are one of the expected impacts of climate change. This study suggests the changes are already observable – and are likely to intensify with additional warming. Further changes in precipitation patterns (both in intensity and variability) will require communities increasingly to control for drought and flooding. Implications for food availability, particularly in drought or flood-prone areas, could be significant.
