Warmer, Drier, Scarier
Let's face it: what apocalyptic eco-thriller doesn't have a giant wave crashing over the Statue of Liberty?
However, new research has shown that directors who want to play on the ever growing fear of an environmental disaster may have to rethink their strategies, because the earth's future is looking a lot scarier and drier than Hollywood would have us believe.
According to a study just released by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, "severe and prolonged" droughts are a growing threat in the coming decades that will cause global droughts greater than have ever been observed in modern times.
The changes in temperature and water will be heavily influenced by greenhouse gas emissions and other stresses on the environment, which in turn will negatively (and possibly lethally) affect living conditions, food production, and water availability. All of this is predicted to happen within the century.
According to the study, the countries and continents that could face significant drying include Latin America (especially large sections of Mexico and Brazil), regions around the Mediterranean Sea, Southwest Asia, most of Africa and Australia, and large stretches of the United States. The study also produced a number of effective graphics, which can be viewed here.
It's time to put down the thrilling blockbusters and address our environmental challenges in an immediate and urgent way.