Water, or the so-called “Blue Gold,” as an indispensable life-giving natural resource, holds significant value and plays a vital role in supporting various life forms and ensuring survival. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that freshwater resources are inherently finite, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Consequently, conservation and effective governance of these resources assume paramount importance. Climate change (CC) has a direct and indirect impact on the water cycle, influencing both the quantity and quality of water resources required to satisfy the increasing demands of both human livelihoods and ecosystems. It has the potential to contribute to the occurrence of repetitive flooding and drought events, as well as the elevation of sea levels, which can have significant impacts on coastal aquifers. Additionally, it may lead to heightened water temperatures, which can further exacerbate various types of water pollution. The challenges at hand will have significant consequences on various interrelated sectors, including the water, energy and agriculture sectors, public health, as well as the aquatic ecosystems. The demand for water to address these requirements is additionally influenced by climate change. It is apparent that embracing a comprehensive water-energy-food nexus approach, alongside advocating for the utilization of non-conventional water resources, can effectively facilitate the shift towards sustainability. This observation holds significant relevance for national interests, thereby serving as a potential catalyst for active involvement from governments, the private sector, and civil society. The present chapter aims at emphasizing the influence of the climate change extreme events on water resources by examining the close interconnections between climate patterns, freshwater availability, and the biophysical and socio-economic systems at both global and regional levels. Additionally, it aims to present advanced technologies and comprehensive solutions to appropriately mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to them. Furthermore, the chapter aims to enhance the livelihoods of societies who are especially vulnerable to climate change effects, towards attaining climate-resilient communities with the overarching objective of achieving sustainable development in line with the aspired future, while ensuring inclusivity for all individuals. The topic of climate change and its impact on non-conventional water resources is certainly becoming of great importance in the field of environmental studies. It is crucial to explore strategies for both adaptation and mitigation to promote sustainable development to surmount these challenges.

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Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources

  • Mahmoud A. Abu-Zeid,
  • Khaled M. Abu-Zeid,
  • Mary K. Halim

摘要

Water, or the so-called “Blue Gold,” as an indispensable life-giving natural resource, holds significant value and plays a vital role in supporting various life forms and ensuring survival. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that freshwater resources are inherently finite, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Consequently, conservation and effective governance of these resources assume paramount importance. Climate change (CC) has a direct and indirect impact on the water cycle, influencing both the quantity and quality of water resources required to satisfy the increasing demands of both human livelihoods and ecosystems. It has the potential to contribute to the occurrence of repetitive flooding and drought events, as well as the elevation of sea levels, which can have significant impacts on coastal aquifers. Additionally, it may lead to heightened water temperatures, which can further exacerbate various types of water pollution. The challenges at hand will have significant consequences on various interrelated sectors, including the water, energy and agriculture sectors, public health, as well as the aquatic ecosystems. The demand for water to address these requirements is additionally influenced by climate change. It is apparent that embracing a comprehensive water-energy-food nexus approach, alongside advocating for the utilization of non-conventional water resources, can effectively facilitate the shift towards sustainability. This observation holds significant relevance for national interests, thereby serving as a potential catalyst for active involvement from governments, the private sector, and civil society. The present chapter aims at emphasizing the influence of the climate change extreme events on water resources by examining the close interconnections between climate patterns, freshwater availability, and the biophysical and socio-economic systems at both global and regional levels. Additionally, it aims to present advanced technologies and comprehensive solutions to appropriately mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to them. Furthermore, the chapter aims to enhance the livelihoods of societies who are especially vulnerable to climate change effects, towards attaining climate-resilient communities with the overarching objective of achieving sustainable development in line with the aspired future, while ensuring inclusivity for all individuals. The topic of climate change and its impact on non-conventional water resources is certainly becoming of great importance in the field of environmental studies. It is crucial to explore strategies for both adaptation and mitigation to promote sustainable development to surmount these challenges.