Some conclusions on the vulnerability of hydrologic regions in Mexico
to future changes in climate can be drawn from the application of regi
onal-scale thermal-hydrological models. Climate changes induced by the
doubling of atmospheric CO2 have been predicted for the year 2050 by
general circulation models (GCMs) and energy balance models (EBMs). Th
e results obtained suggest that potential changes in air temperature a
nd precipitation may have a dramatic impact on the pattern and magnitu
de of runoff, on soil moisture and evaporation, as well as on the arid
ity level of some hydrologic zones of Mexico. However, in other cases
climate change is likely to produce a positive effect. Indices were es
timated for quantifying the vulnerability of hydrologic regions and of
the country as a whole. These vulnerability indices were defined acco
rding to criteria previously established for studies of this type. The
indices provide information about both the hydrologic zones which are
vulnerable even under current climate conditions and others which may
be vulnerable to future climate changes.