Preface

Climate change affects ecosystems, human societies and economies in a variety of ways, and water is the primary medium through which these impacts are felt. In some cases, these impacts are clearly obvious – for example through the increasing frequency and intensity of storms, floods and droughts. Increasing variability in the global water cycle implies greater water stress at different times and over different areas. The water-related impacts of climate change also include negative effects on food security, human health, energy production, and biodiversity, not to mention the daily livelihoods of the world’s most vulnerable women, men and children. These in turn can lead (and have led) to rising societal inequities, social unrest, mass migration and conflict.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Clean Water and Sanitation