| Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources |
| 1. |
Signs of climate change such as temperature rise and changes in intensity and patterns of rainfall have already been reported globally. Similarly, direct and indirect impacts of climate change have been observed on water quantity and quality and also on national land security.
|
| 2. |
Melting of glaciers in the Himalayas and risk of bursting of glacial lakes are prominent examples of observed impacts of climate change on water resources. Growth of glacial lakes increases the risk of sudden flooding, which poses significant threats to the lives of the local people. |
| 3. |
Also well known are impacts of climate change on small island states, whose people are already threatened with natural disasters deteriorating water quality and water shortages, among others issues.
|
| 4. |
In Asia, climate change is likely to further increase stress on water resources which is already very high because of increasing demand of water associated with rapid population growth and urbanization, particularly in the densely populated delta areas.
|
| 5. |
In arid and semi-arid regions, an increase in both the intensity and the frequency of drought events has been observed, which have generated adverse impacts on people’s lives and economic activities such as agriculture production.
|
| 6. |
Despite the fact that the impact of climate change on water is closely connected to the building of a sustainable society in all areas of the world and global security, there is still a lack of public awareness on climate change and its impact on water.
|
| 7. |
In April 2008, the IPCC published the "IPCC Technical Paper on Climate Change and Water" and the report summarised scientific findings on climate change and its impact on water.
|
| 8. |
In addition to the adaptation measures discussed below, the report emphasizes the importance of climate change mitigation measures in relation to water resources. Such measures include construction of hydropower dams and improved water management measures in connection to irrigation and wastewater treatment. Therefore, mitigation and water management should be part of integrated strategies. |
| Adaptation measures in the water sector and points to be considered to promote adaptation
|
| 9. |
Current international policy discussions on climate change focus on mitigation rather than adaptation to the impact of climate change. Since impacts on water resources are considered significant, the international community must promote “no regrets" policies with clear adaptation strategies. This is a matter of the greatest urgency and priority for humankind.
|
| 10. |
In December 2007, the “Asia Pacific Water Summit" was held in Japan as the first gathering among the heads of states on water in the world, and the summit adopted the “Message from Beppu". The message recommended that the heads of the states should take a leading role and works together with other like-minded institutions, entities and individuals, and also confirmed that climate change and water is a top priority issue, and agreed on the urgent need for adaptation measures.
|
| 11. |
As practical adaptation measures in the water sector, the following options are considered important:
(a) infrastructure development such as construction of dykes in coastal areas to prevent the inflow of salt water due to sea-level rise, tunnels and water gates to maintain the water level of glacial lakes, and underground dams for water storage, (b) introduction of technologies effective to increase availability and reliability of water resources such as those for desalinisation and water recycling , (c) promotion of groundwater recharge and utilisation of rainwater, (d) introduction of technologies for increasing water efficiency in industries and agriculture that use large amounts of water; (e) rationalisation of water use through further enhancement of wastewater treatment to prevent pollution.
|
| 12. |
Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) and Integrated Lake Basin Management (ILBM) are considered effective in promoting the sustainable use and appropriate management of water resources. IRBM and ILBM approaches should be incorporated as much as possible into the existing water management. It is crucial to increase resilience of water management by mainstreaming adaptation concerns.
|
| 13. |
Adaptation concerns in the water sector have strong linkages with other policy areas such as energy, land use, food production, environmental conservation and water-related disaster management. Therefore, adaptation needs to be implemented in a cross-cutting manner. Furthermore, consideration should be given to inter-linkages with biodiversity and other environmental issues as well as those with mitigation measures such as afforestation. The importance of intrinsic values inherent in water resources such as lake and river ecosystems deserves particular attention.
|
| 14. |
Climate change adaptation capacities vary from country to country. In many countries, the lack of such capacities is found among local people and the poor, who depend on natural resources and therefore are particularly vulnerable to impacts of climate change. Because climate change impacts and water use patterns are different from one place to another, it is necessary to promote adaptation at the local level. |
| Need for future actions and studies to promote adaptation
|
| 15. |
Techniques and methodologies applicable to the assessment of the effects of climate change on ecosystems and human societies are not yet fully developed. This makes it impossible to work out when and to what extent countermeasures need to be taken in specific parts of the region. Therefore there is a need to improve the science of prediction, and to conduct researches that clarify the functions of ecosystems and the interactions among various elements that make up the natural world. In this connection it is important to quantify the significance of those ecosystem functions to human society. The next IPCC assessment report should focus on an integrated risk assessment based on unified social and climatic change scenarios.
|
| 16. |
Studies such as those related to integrated water management incorporating climate change adaptation should be further promoted. Development of climate change models at the watershed level should be studied as a basis for effective water management. Also it is necessary to strengthen monitoring and modelling of groundwater recharge and discharge. Technical forum may help to share knowledge and experience on water management and technical application.
|
| 17. |
To promote adaptation measures in the water sector at the local level, international cooperation and support are needed to enhance activities that involve participation of various stakeholders such as local people, and the public as well as the private sector. Development of mechanisms to accumulate and share useful information such as creation of hazard maps and relevant capacity building should also be a priority area for international cooperation and support.
|
| 18. |
Strategic implementation and planning of adaptation measures in developing countries require financial and technical supports. These financial and technical supports should be flexible enough to include various adaptation measures ranging from physical to institutional.
|
| 19. |
Relevant international organisations should seek more cooperation with research institutes and NGOs working on climate change and water issues, to promote adaptation for water internationally. Such cooperation is expected to help to identify important policies and to promote research and technology development. It is also essential to clarify the scale of funding and to come up with innovative funding mechanisms to provide necessary funds.
|
| 20. |
Technology to meet the challenges posed by climate change for water security is essential, but values also need to change to promote climate friendly lifestyles and low carbon societies. This change in values is needed to create the political will necessary for effective measures to address the issue of climate change and water. The participation of various stakeholders in policy development is essential and will enhance transparency.
|
| 21. |
It is essential that each country should recognize the significance of the interlinkages between climate change and water, and make further efforts to address the climate change related water issues, taking into account all the major points described above. |
