The challenge
The effects of climate change are most acutely felt through the presence of water – either too little or too much of it. In some areas, rising temperatures cause prolonged periods of drought, which challenge the availability of fresh water resources. In other areas, the occurrence of more extreme rain events lead to severe flooding which – in addition to the immediate risk to humans – pose a significant risk of damage to critical water infrastructure and can result in contamination of water sources.
The future
Water plays a crucial role in how we mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. Well-planned climate change adaptation initiatives can reduce the negative social, environmental and economic impact of climate change. A holistic approach, which also links to urban development and urban water management, can result in both climate resilient and more liveable cities.
