Drought trends and impacts on agricultural production and natural resources in the context of climate change.

Every single day, scientific evidence of climate change mounts all around the world and in Turkey. In the 20 th century, the average temperature increased by 0.6°C all around the world and by 0.95°C in Europe. According to the latest developments, the consequences in the Mediterranean Basin would be more severe compared to the world. It is expected that the global warming would be 1°C in 2025. In such a case, the temperatures would increase by 0.7-1.6° C in the Mediterranean Basin and the increase would even reach to 2°C in 20 to 50 years. Global climate change will hit the Mediterranean Region with a severe drought. It is seen that in the Mediterranean Basin, the precipitation had dropped by 20% over the past 25 years. The sea level will increase by 20-40 cm in 2050 and this will mostly affect Turkey. In Turkey, especially in arid and semi-arid regions such as the Mediterranean, Aegean and Central Anatolia regions, significant declines are foreseen in the precipitation levels. It can also be said that the most obvious reflections of climate to our daily lives are the unexpected weather events. "Too much or too little rain at the wrong time and at the wrong place" just summarizes the case. According to the report of Union of Turkish Agricultural Chambers, the total cost of the drought for the agricultural sector is estimated to be 2.5 billion €. Imports of agricultural products increased by up to 60%, with serious economic consequences. In order to manage increasing water demand and consume water more efficiently, it is necessary to change the existing management approaches and policies. The agricultural policy has to be essentially revaluated while encouraging modern and efficient irrigation systems and defining correct crop patterns. Illegal water use must also be brought to an end. The impacts on nat ural resources have to be considered when water investments take place and they have to ground on integrated and sustainable water management. Long term and basin wise planning has to be done depending on the population, housing and industry projections in the cities. Within this planning context, climate change factor has to be play a key role and any risks should be anticipated ahead.