Why is it important to address climate change manifestations in water management?
Why is it important to address climate change manifestations in water management?
Impacts of climate change on freshwater systems and their management are mainly due to the observed and projected increases in temperature, evaporation, sea level and precipitations variability.
The number of people in severely stressed river basins is projected to increase significantly (three to five times in 2050 as compared to 1995).
Semi-arid and arid areas are particularly exposed to the impact of climate change on freshwater resources.
Higher water temperatures, increased precipitation intensity and longer periods of low flows will lead to more pollution and impacts on ecosystems, human health and water system reliability and operating costs.
Climate change affects the function and operation of existing water infrastructure as well as water management practices.
Adaptation procedures and risk management practices for the water sector are being developed in some countries and regions that recognize the uncertainty of projected hydrological changes.
The negative impacts of climate change on freshwater systems outweigh its benefits. (IPCC 2007)
