Question

climate change and impact on water resources

Answer 1

Water resources are important to both society and ecosystems. We depend on a reliable, clean supply of drinking water to sustain our health. We also need water for agriculture, energy production, navigation, recreation, and manufacturing.

Many of these uses put pressure on water resources, stresses that are likely to be exacerbated by climate change. In many areas, climate change is likely to increasewater demand while shrinking water supplies. This shifting balance would challenge water managers to simultaneously meet the needs of growing communities, sensitive ecosystems, farmers, ranchers, energy producers, and manufacturers.

In some areas, water shortages will be less of a problem than increases in runoff, flooding, or sea level rise. These effects can reduce the quality of water and can damage the infrastructure that we use to transport and deliver water.

Answer 2

The main climate change consequences related to water resources are increases in temperature, shifts in precipitation  patterns and snow cover, and a likely increase in the frequency of flooding and droughts.

climate change and more specifically, informs the water sector on climate issues and climate-smart adaptation options. Using the existing knowledge and additional analysis commissioned, the report illustrates that climate change is affecting the hydrologic cycle and the projected future hydrology will have a direct impact on the water resources base availability, usage, and manag