The Nexus of Water Scarcity and Climate Change: Understanding Interconnected Challenges and Formulating Resilient Strategies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/ijes.2915Keywords:
Water Scarcity, Climate Change, Interconnected Challenges, Resilient Strategies, Socio-Economic RamificationsAbstract
Purpose: This research explores the intricate relationship between water scarcity and climate change, recognizing their interconnected challenges and the need for resilient strategies. Through a multifaceted approach, the study examines global impacts, socio-economic ramifications, and strategies for mitigation.
Methodology: Using qualitative research methods, diverse perspectives from 40 individuals across various sectors are captured through interviews. Thematic analysis of these insights reveals the nuanced dynamics of the nexus between water scarcity and climate change.
Findings: The results underscore the urgent need for comprehensive understanding and action. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and melting glaciers exacerbate water stress, threatening ecosystems, societies, and economies globally. Socioeconomic implications include reduced agricultural productivity, compromised food security, and increased vulnerability of marginalized communities. Resilient strategies are proposed, including Integrated Water Resource Management, Climate Resilient Infrastructure, and Sustainable Agricultural Practices. Additionally, fostering Community Engagement, Policy Reform, and International Cooperation are vital. Nature-based solutions offer promise in mitigating impacts, while education and awareness-raising efforts are crucial for building resilience.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This research provides a roadmap for addressing the interconnected challenges of water scarcity and climate change, emphasizing the importance of coordinated action and sustained commitment at all levels. By implementing these strategies, we can pave the way for sustainable water management and adaptation to a changing climate, ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.
Downloads
References
Adger, W. N., et al. (2009). "Adaptation to climate change in the developing world." Progress in Development Studies, 8(3), 179-195.
Alcamo, J., Doll, P., Henrichs, T., Kaspar, F., & Lehner, B. (2007). Development and testing of the WaterGAP 2 global model of water use and availability. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 48(3), 317–337. https://doi.org/10.1623/hysj.48.3.317
Asian Development Bank. (2019). Addressing Water Scarcity and Climate Change in the Asia and Pacific Region. Asian Development Bank. https://www.adb.org/publications/addressing-water-scarcity-and-climate-change-asia-and-pacific-region
Bates, B. C., et al. (2008). "Climate change and water." Technical Paper of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC Secretariat, Geneva, Switzerland.
Berkes, F. (2009). "Indigenous ways of knowing and the study of environmental change." Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 39(4), 151-156.
Döll, P., et al. (2009). "Impact of water withdrawals from groundwater and surface water on continental water storage variations." Journal of Geodynamics, 48(3-5), 223-232.
European Environment Agency. (2017). Climate change, impacts and vulnerability in Europe 2016: An indicator-based report. Publications Office of the European Union. https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/climate-change-impacts-and-vulnerability-2016
Gleick, P. H. (2014). Water, drought, climate change, and conflict in Syria. Weather, Climate, and Society, 6(3), 331–340. https://doi.org/10.1175/WCAS-D-13-00059.1
Global Water Forum. (n.d.). Climate Change and Water Scarcity. https://www.globalwaterforum.org/2012/06/05/climate-change-and-water-scarcity/
IPCC. (2014). Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press.
IPCC. (2018). Global warming of 1.5°C. An IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change.
IPCC. (2019). Climate Change and Land: An IPCC Special Report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems. IPCC. https://www.ipcc.ch/srccl/
Leal Filho, W., et al. (2020). "Water, climate change, and the SDGs: Challenges and opportunities." International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 27(5), 392-400.
Mirza, M. M. Q., & Haider, H. (2019). Climate change-induced water scarcity and food security: A review of the challenges, mitigation strategies, and opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Environmental Science & Policy, 97, 130–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2019.03.003
Rosenzweig, C., et al. (2014). "Assessing agricultural risks of climate change in the 21st century in a global gridded crop model intercomparison." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(9), 3268-3273.
Shannon, M. A., et al. (2008). "Science and technology for water purification in the coming decades." Nature, 452(7185), 301-310.
UN World Water Development Report. (2020). United Nations. https://www.unwater.org/publications/world-water-development-report-2020-water-and-climate-change/
UNDESA. (2017). "Policy brief: Climate change and water." United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
UNEP. (2016). "Water management and climate change adaptation: Promoting a sustainable approach to water resources management in a changing climate." United Nations Environment Programme.
UNEP-DHI. (2018). "Water scarcity and droughts." United Nations Environment Programme and DHI Centre on Water and Environment.
UNESCO. (2015). "The United Nations world water development report 2015: Water for a sustainable world." United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
United Nations. (2015). Sustainable Development Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. United Nations. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6
UN-Water. (2020). "Water and climate change." UN-Water Policy Brief.
UN-Water. (2021). "Transboundary waters." UN-Water Policy Brief.
Vörösmarty, C. J., Green, P., Salisbury, J., & Lammers, R. B. (2000). Global water resources: Vulnerability from climate change and population growth. Science, 289(5477), 284–288. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.289.5477.284
Wisser, D., et al. (2010). "A comparison of two hydrological models for climate impact assessment over the Mississippi River Basin." Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 115(D16).
World Bank. (2016). High and Dry: Climate Change, Water, and the Economy. World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/25100
World Bank. (2018). "Water scarcity: The missing piece in the climate change adaptation puzzle." World Bank Group.
World Economic Forum. (2020). The Global Risks Report 2020. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-global-risks-report-2020
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Tanzim Khan, Mohammed Samiullah, Istiak Ibne Rouf, Sanjida Sultana, Shiblur Rahman, Md. Bazlur Rahman, Roufa Khanum
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
