Goal to Cap Temperature Rise Will Still Leave Hundreds of Millions Thirsty

A new study projects that 8 percent of the world's current population, or 486 million people, will soon live in regions at an increased risk of water scarcity, even if the average global temperature rise is limited to 2 degrees Celsius, the cap cited in several U.N. agreements.

If temperatures were to rise 3.5 C over preindustrial levels -- the likely trajectory under current international pledges to cut emissions -- the population forced to live in areas with greater water strain would increase to 11 percent, or 668 million people.

The study shows that people in the Middle East, North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Southwest of the USA will experience the most significant changes.

Goal to Cap Temperature Rise Will Still Leave Hundreds of Millions Thirsty