Ararat

The Ararat Municipality faces significant concerns due to water scarcity, exacerbated by rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. Projections indicate that by 2050, Armenia will experience a temperature increase between 1.6 to 2.2 degrees Celsius, leading to more frequent droughts and reduced water availability for agricultural activities, which are vital for the local economy [1].

In Ararat, Armenia, prolonged periods of low rainfall have left the soil extremely dry and compacted. When heavy rainfall and intense storms do occur, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change, the hardened soil cannot absorb water effectively. Instead, rainwater flows rapidly over the surface, increasing the risk of flash floods. These floods can cause severe soil erosion and contaminate water sources, creating further challenges for water management in the region [2].

The Ararat Valley is one of the warmest regions in Armenia, and has experienced a steady rise in temperatures over the past 50 years, causing desertification and more frequent heatwaves. Projections show that average temperatures in the valley could rise to 16–18°C by 2071–2100, up from 10–14°C in the 1961–1990 period [3]. This ongoing warming poses risks to human health and threatens agricultural productivity, especially for crops that are vulnerable to heat.