Climate change and its impact : Water resources adaptation strategies

Abstract

The impact of climate change and global warming are widespread. It is expected that climatic change caused by increase in green house gases concentration will possibly alter the global water cycle and would therefore change timing and magnitude of hydrological extremes (flooding, droughts) and availability of surface and groundwater resources. Such changes would raise the possibility of widespread environmental and socioeconomic disturbances and have considerable implications for the future water resources planning and management practices. It is predicted that billions of people, particularly those in developing countries would face shortage of water, food and greater risk to health and life as a result of climate change. The impact is expected to be more severe in developing countries like India whose economy is largely dependent on the agriculture and is already under stress due to population increase and associated demands for energy, fresh water and food. The study presents the impacts of climatic changes on various aspects of water resources and various adaptation strategies to cope with its effects as latter are important and vital. Through adaptation societies make themselves better able to cope with the uncertain future and to reduce the negative effects of climate change.