In 2050-2100 - the South of Ukraine may turn into a desert, as in this region there will be a severe deficit of water balance. Mykhailo Romashchenko, Director of the Institute of Water Problems and Land Reclamation of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, spoke about this during the round table "Strategy for the Development of the Irrigation System in Ukraine" organized by UAC.

"Ukraine is the world leader in the growth of the average annual temperature - more than 0,6 degrees Celsius during 10 years. What awaits us? We took 10 the most common climate models and tried to make provisions what will happen to our climate, to water resources in Ukraine in 2050 and 2100. Thus, the temperature will increase by 2.2-2.5 degrees tuill 2050, and by 3.1-3.3 degrees till 2100. Precipitation, with the exception of the western regions and the North, will remain virtually unchanged. What is the conclusion? There will be an increase in total evaporation and a decrease in river runoff.

Such changes will negatively affect the development of agriculture.

"The dynamics of the water balance will change. The moisture deficit in 2050 will be 550-570 mm, in 2100 - 700 mm. In fact, it is a desert. In 2100, up to 60% of Ukraine's territory will have a severe water balance deficit for agriculture. The total evaporation has already increased, which has led to the process of dehydration of the territory of Ukraine." - Mykhailo Romashchenko said.

According to the scientist, under such conditions, the only factor in ensuring the sustainability of agricultural production, especially in the South, is irrigation.