5. Water Woes Will Get Worse Across the World

It may be tempting for those who live inland to believe that they are unaffected by the melting of Antarctic ice. However, glaciologists warn that this will not be the case. One of the biggest concerns for world populations is the loss of access to clean drinking water.

As sea levels rise, saltwater can infiltrate groundwater reserves further inland. That spread will quickly contaminate sources of drinking water. Furthermore, farm irrigation will be much more difficult due to the high salt content. Even for those who live at an elevation above 250 feet (76.2 meters), their access to well water may be at quick risk of contamination from rising sea levels.

According to NASA, the world has already experienced negative consequences because of this. Freshwater reserves in Antarctica, Greenland, the Russian Arctic, and the Andes have already suffered from the melting of sea ice. This melting and subsequent sea level rise has disrupted the regular freshwater supply for millions of people who depend on glaciers for their water.

As sea levels continue to rise, more people will struggle to find access to clean, safe drinking water. As decades go by, this problem will only get worse. Humans living far inland will begin to feel the pinch of water shortages and water treatment issues. Even in places far from Antarctica and its ice shelves, drinking water problems will become a fact of life.^[6]

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