Artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT predicted that Turkey could face severe water shortages due to the recent population growth, and experts agree.
When asked about the effects of climate change on Turkey, ChatGPT says that rising temperatures could affect agricultural products and hydroelectric production, increasing food and energy prices, as the country is in a particularly sensitive region. There may also be serious water shortages due to population growth and poor water management practices.
Chatbot also recommended that Turkey reduce its dependence on hydroelectric power.
According to the Ministry of Energy, hydroelectricity accounts for the largest portion of the country's total installed capacity, with 30 percent.
Alice Hill, climate change expert at the US-based think tank Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), agreed with AI on the extent of the risk, and said that in 2022, Turkey experienced the hottest December in 50 years.
He emphasized that according to the projections, Turkey is among the first 2040 countries experiencing water scarcity in 30.
ChatGPT also emphasized that climate change may increase economic and social vulnerabilities and trigger new migrations to Turkey from neighboring countries such as Syria and Iraq. It may also cause internal migration from rural areas to urban centers within the country.
Experts also warned that new migration flows could be triggered as the Mediterranean region becomes increasingly drier and warmer.
A researcher at the UK-based think tank Chatham House, Prof.
AI also reminded that there is not enough snowfall especially in Istanbul, reminding that this is bad news for the rivers and streams feeding the dams.
Hill, who is also the climate change adviser to former President Barack Obama, warned of severe drought until 2023, saying that Istanbul's water reserves are bottoming out, but water consumption continues to rise.
“There should be warnings to restrict water use,” he advised.