How does climate affect water scarcity in Egypt?

In Egypt, possible risks caused by climate change include the following: (1) water scarcity due to the reduction of water supply from the Nile and high water demands for crops, and (2) increase in the salinity of irrigation water in the Nile Delta, resulting from saline intrusion into shallow groundwater and water …

What is the cause of water shortage in Egypt?

As it stands, a rapidly growing population, wasteful irrigation practices, high levels of water pollution and a lack of efficient water recycling or desalination facilities have triggered a sharp increase in Egypt's water deficit.

What was the climate like in Egypt?

Egypt's climate is semi-desert characterized by hot dry summers, moderate winters and very little rainfall. There is some winter rain in the delta and along the Mediterranean coast, west of the delta. Non-renewable underground fossil water supplies are available outside the river valley, especially in the oases.

How is Egypt dealing with water shortages?

The current water shortage in Egypt is 13.5 billion cubic meters per year (BCM/year) and is expected to continuously increase. Currently, this water shortage is compensated by drain reuse, which consequently degrades water quality.

What are the causes and effects of water scarcity in Egypt?

In recent years, Egypt has suffered from severe water shortages. Uneven water distribution, misuse of water resources and inefficient irrigation techniques are some of the major factors destroying water security in the country. Egypt faces an annual water deficit of about 7 billion cubic meters.

How much water does Egypt get per year?

The Nile supplies more than 95% of all water to Egypt. Annual rainfall varies from a maximum of 180 mm/year on the north coast to an average of 20 mm in central Egypt to 2 mm/year in Upper Egypt. Both water supply and demand are expected to be exaggerated by climate change.

What is the weather and climate in Egypt?

The climate is generally extremely dry throughout the country, except on the northern Mediterranean coast, which receives rainfall in winter. In addition to a rarity of rain, extreme heat during the summer months is also a general climate feature in Egypt, although daytime temperatures are more moderate along the northern coast.

How does the water shortage affect Egypt?

Most of the future projections indicate decreases in water availability, reaching in some cases up to 70% (El Guosy, 2008). The agricultural sector will be the economic sector most affected by water shortages, consuming 80% of the water budget, absorbing 40% of Egyptian labor and accounting for 20% of the gross domestic product (GDP). 4

Why is Egypt worried about the Nile?

This is of great concern to Egypt, which is concerned that this dam would reduce the amount of water it receives (55.5 billion cubic meters) from the Nile. Egypt is concerned that during dry months, not enough water will be released from the GERD, reducing water received downstream.