Stop floating, start swimming: water and climate change – interlinkages and prospects for future action
Water and climate change are intricately linked. Global warming is changing the water cycle, affecting water availability and quality and extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. At the same time, sustainable water management and energy-efficient wastewater treatment play an important role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
This state-of-the-art report encapsulates the main impacts of climate change on the water cycle and highly water-dependent sectors. The Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), adelphi and Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) explore relevant models, projections and uncertainties, discuss global trends and evaluate regional case studies. On this basis, the study develops recommendations for future action and enables a better understanding of how the water sector and water-related activities can contribute towards the goals of climate mitigation and adaptation. The report primarily targets water professionals, water-sector decision-makers and the water expert community. Yet, as a comprehensive knowledge base, the report also provides evidence-based information for climate experts and professionals.