Climate change: what are the consequences for water?

Climate change? While not desirable, it presents a unique opportunity to rethink our relationship with water, an essential element for all life on Earth. By adapting to new challenges, we can not only protect this precious resource, but also improve its management in a sustainable and innovative way. Understanding and acting on the impacts of global warming on water is crucial to anticipate future challenges and ensure harmonious and equitable development for all.‍

Climate change: availability, quality and distribution of water‍

The effects of global warming on water resources are profound and are transforming our world. They are reflected in changes in the availability, quality, and distribution of this valuable resource. Here are some of the major consequences we must face together to preserve our future.‍

The change in precipitation 

Some countries are experiencing increased rainfall, while others are experiencing more frequent and severe droughts. These variations, attributed to climate change, have a direct impact on the availability of water for agriculture, industry and domestic consumption.

Brazil, for example, faces catastrophic droughts alternating with floods. The Horn of Africa has been suffering from a severe drought and water shortage for several years. According to UNICEF, in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, Hunger threatens nearly 20 million people! Bangladesh, for its part, has been experiencing terrible floods for several years.

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In Europe, the southern areas (Greece, Spain) are facing ever more frequent and severe droughts while the countries of the North (Germany, Belgium, United Kingdom, France) are facing numerous floods.

Did you know that? According to An EEA report (the European Environment Agency), Europe is the continent that is warming up the fastest and is not at all prepared for it. ‍

The melting of the glaciers and the snow 

Glaciers and snow that act as natural reservoirs of water are melting at an accelerated rate due to global warming. This melting initially contributes to an increase in river flows, but in the long term, it reduces the availability of water, especially in summer when they play a crucial role in feeding rivers.‍

Rising sea levels 

Resulting from the melting of polar ice and the thermal expansion of the oceans, it leads to the intrusion of salt water into coastal aquifers (groundwater systems that cross land-ocean borders) and river systems. Our precious freshwater supplies are contaminated, making them unusable for drinking and irrigation.‍

Extreme weather events 

Storms, hurricanes, and floods are becoming more frequent and more intense as a result of climate change. These events cause damage to hydraulic infrastructures, pollute water sources and increase health risks.

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The increase in evapoperspiration 

Higher temperatures lead to increased evaporation and plant perspiration. This reduces the amount of water available in soils, reservoirs, and waterways, affecting agriculture and putting natural ecosystems at risk.‍

Increased pollution 

With floods and storms becoming more frequent due to climate change, our waterways are being invaded by debris, chemicals, and pathogens. Consequences? Epidemics of waterborne diseases and endangered aquatic ecosystems.‍

Rising water temperature‍

As air temperatures rise, the water temperature in our rivers, lakes and oceans is rising. This situation affects aquatic ecosystems, disrupts fish reproduction and promotes the proliferation of harmful algae in many areas.‍

Ocean acidification 

The absorption of carbon dioxide by the oceans leads to their acidification. It degrades marine organisms, in particular corals, molluscs and certain types of plankton, and thus upsets the entire marine food chain.‍

Water and climate change: socio-economic consequences‍

The impacts of climate change on water have significant social and economic repercussions around the world. ‍

Food safety 

The availability of water for irrigation is crucial for agriculture. Changes in rainfall patterns and dwindling freshwater supplies are compromising agricultural production, threatening the food security of millions of people.‍

Public health 

Degraded water quality and shortages are exacerbating public health problems. Water-related diseases, such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid, are more likely to spread due to the contamination of drinking water sources.

According to UNICEF, thereabouts 50% of cases of malnutrition in the world are due to inadequate access to water, hygiene and sanitation.

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Conflicts and migration 

The scarcity of water resources can lead to conflicts between communities, regions and even countries. Populations living in areas affected by water shortages are often forced to migrate, creating additional tensions and humanitarian challenges.

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In Iraq for example, one of the countries most affected by climate change, especially in southern regions such as Basra, thousands of people are fleeing in search of water. The dams in Turkey and Iran, combined with decades of poor water management and rising temperatures, have reduced the flows of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Iraqi farmers, faced with land that had become unproductive, were forced to migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities.. It is the same with madagascar and in many more countries.

Local and national economies 

Economic sectors that depend on water, such as agriculture, fishing, tourism, and industry, are directly affected by climate change. Economic losses can be significant. They affect the financial stability of local communities and nations.

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What are the adaptation strategies in the face of global warming?‍

Faced with the challenges of climate change, it is essential to put in place management and adaptation strategies to ensure the sustainable use of water resources. Here are some key approaches:‍

Integrated Water Resources Management 

IWRM consists in planning and managing water in a coordinated manner across different sectors of use, taking into account the interactions between surface water and groundwater, and integrating environmental and socio-economic considerations.‍

Solutions for the preservation of water reserves 

Drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater reuse techniques can help reduce water demand.‍

The construction of wells and water towers ‍

Well construction offers a sustainable solution to the problem of access to water exacerbated by climate change. By providing stable access to groundwater, they reduce dependence on irregular rainfall, minimize contamination risks, strengthen community resilience, and promote sustainable management of water resources. They thus play a crucial role in securing drinking water and in maintaining livelihoods in the face of increasingly severe climate impacts.

At LIFE, we work in regions of the world where climate change leads to successive floods and droughts, where people have to walk long hours to find water, which is often unhealthy. In Africa, but also in Asia as in Cambodia. There, in Kampong Thom province, in flood-prone areas, where access to water and sanitation is inadequate, but where drought is also raging, we built water towers and drinking fountains. 

Restoring degraded ecosystems 

Restoring and protecting wetlands, mangroves, and riparian forests can optimize the regulation of the water cycle, reduce flood risks and improve water quality.

Our NGO LIFE intervenes in particular in indonesia, a country with one of the largest areas of mangrove in the world. In Sumatra, we have launched an ambitious project of mangrove and fruit tree planting thru our SAPOUSSE campaign. In collaboration with local communities, We are replanting mangroves there, a symbolic tree of the mangrove. Our aim is to plant a total of 20,000 trees. At the same time, we are conducting awareness-raising efforts among the population to make them understand the crucial importance of maintaining this essential ecosystem. In fact, A mangrove forest stores 5 times more CO2 than a conventional forest ! In addition, by protecting the coasts, it acts as a great bulwark against storms and floods. But that's not all, mangroves harbor rich biodiversity, filter water, support fishing by providing fish habitats, and providing natural resources. An ideal ecosystem in a context of global warming!

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Capacity and governance building 

It is crucial to strengthen the capacities of local and national institutions in water management, to promote community participation and to put in place effective policies and regulatory frameworks for the sustainable management of water resources.‍

Raising awareness and educating populations‍

The population must be made aware of the impacts of climate change and water conservation practices. This is essential to encourage responsible behavior and sustainable management of water resources.

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Climate change has profound and varied consequences on water resources. However, by implementing appropriate management and adaptation strategies, it is possible to reduce risks and promote sustainable use of water supplies. International cooperation, technological innovation and community engagement are essential to meet this challenge and ensure a future where water remains an accessible and high-quality resource for all.

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Together, let's take up the world's water challenge

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