The Southern Hemisphere has been drying out more than the Northern Hemisphere throughout the last 20 years (2001-2020), according to a new study on freshwater released on Wednesday in Science Magazine. The primary reason, according to the authors, could be the periodic warmer-than-normal ocean water in the eastern Pacific known as El Niño.
With the exception of Antarctica, the Southern Hemisphere only makes up about 25% of the world's geographical area, however, it appears to have a much bigger impact on the availability of water globally than the Northern Hemisphere.
According to the new data, the availability of water has significantly decreased in central and northwest Australia, most of Africa, and South America. There will be more water accessible in some places, though, including the southern portion of South America.
The Amazon rainforest, which is located in South America, is home to several Indigenous tribes and serves as a vital worldwide habitat for various species. It also plays a significant role in regulating the climate.
Meanwhile, the drying of central Australia affects the weather and climate of coastal regions, which are home to the majority of Australia's main cities and people. The southwest and southeast of the nation are also seeing drying trends, which are having an impact on human health, particularly in urban areas, and causing habitat stress and change, wildfires, and reduced river levels.