In brief
As climate change exacerbates water scarcity through intensified droughts and altered rainfall patterns, countries around the globe increasingly turn to desalination—removing salt from seawater to provide fresh drinking water. The process has seen a steady global expansion, with more than 20,000 facilities producing freshwater, primarily in drought-prone regions. However, this energy-intensive process raises significant environmental concerns, including carbon emissions and potential harm to marine ecosystems. Innovations in renewable energy and efficient technology are underway to mitigate these impacts, alongside advocacy for water recycling and conservation as paramount solutions.
As climate change intensifies droughts, disrupts rainfall patterns, and fuels wildfires, many regions are increasingly turning to desalination as a means to procure drinking water. Desalination, the process of removing salt from seawater, provides an essential supply of freshwater where traditional sources are becoming scarce. The technology, which today serves hundreds of millions worldwide, is expected to grow as water scarcity becomes more pronounced.
Understanding Desalination
The most prevalent method of desalination today is reverse osmosis, where seawater is forced through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks salts and other impurities. Initially, the seawater is filtered to remove larger debris and microorganisms, followed by treatment to make the water safe for consumption by adding essential minerals.
While some regions still rely on thermal desalination—which heats seawater until it evaporates and then condenses the vapor back to liquid—this method is generally more energy-intensive and less favored compared to reverse osmosis.
Global Usage
According to a report by the French Institute of International Relations, over 85% of drinking water in several Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait and Oman, comes from desalination. This method is also prevalent in parts of Africa, Australia, and regions in the United States like drought-prone California and Texas. More than 20,000 desalination plants currently operate globally, with the industry expanding by about 7% annually since 2010. It is also becoming crucial in Pacific Island nations where rising sea levels contaminate groundwater sources.
Environmental Concerns
Despite its growing reliance, desalination carries considerable environmental costs. The process is energy-intensive, producing significant carbon emissions that may rival those of the global aviation industry. Additionally, the salty byproduct, known as brine, can damage marine ecosystems when discharged back into the ocean, increasing salinity and harming marine life. Intake systems can trap and kill vital organisms, disrupting the entire food web.
Efforts to mitigate these impacts include using renewable energy to power desalination plants and developing more efficient filtration systems. Experts recommend emphasizing water recycling and conservation as primary solutions to address water scarcity sustainably.
Follow Annika Hammerschlag on Instagram @ahammergram.
The content herein reflects the Associated Press's commitment to unbiased reporting on environmental issues, supported by the Walton Family Foundation. For further insights, visit AP's comprehensive environmental coverage at [AP Environmental Hub](https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment).
