Which challenge does climate change present to water resources?

The challenge that climate change presents to water resources primarily involves altered precipitation patterns and increased evaporation. As global temperatures rise, the atmosphere can hold more moisture, which changes how and when precipitation occurs. This can lead to periods of intense rainfall followed by longer dry spells, disrupting the natural water cycle and impacting the availability of water resources for drinking, agriculture, and ecosystems.

Additionally, increased evaporation rates due to higher temperatures can lead to the loss of water from lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, exacerbating drought conditions and reducing overall water availability. This can pose significant challenges in regions that are already prone to water scarcity, potentially leading to competition over water resources, increased costs for water supply, and negative impacts on agricultural yields and food security.

In contrast, other options suggest scenarios that are less likely to be direct consequences of climate change. For example, increased snowfall in warmer months or improved water quality are generally not typical outcomes associated with climate change. The expansion of water bodies is also not a widely observed trend directly linked to climate change; rather, climate change can alter the features and availability of existing water bodies. Thus, altered precipitation patterns and increased evaporation encapsulate some of the most pressing challenges that climate change poses to water resources.