Worst climate impacts will be caused by water IPCC predicts
Posted: Wednesday 11th April 2007
The Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change Working Group 2 Report published recently says that the most serious effects on human populations will be through impacts on the world's water.
The report underlines the grave situation described last month by the United Nations in its paper 'Coping with water scarcity - challenge for the 21st century'. The UN said that climate change was expected to account for about 20% of the global increase in water scarcity.For humanity it is the combined effect of flood and drought that is the greatest source of risk in vulnerable countries - for the most part those already affected by water stress and low income levels.
The report raises the prospect of lost water sources and disruption to food production leading to migration on a large scale and creating climate refugees.
Water UK has long pointed out that water is in the front line facing climate change. The case for determined efforts by policy-makers and water specialists to mitigate the impact and adapt to meet changes already in the system is now unassailable.
So far the climate debate has focused on the search for scientific certainty as to the causes of global warming. The urgent need for adaptation strategies appropriate to the potential for human suffering has been under-played.
The new IPCC Report should help correct this imbalance. Detailed investigation of the impacts on a full range of land types and regions, together with assessments of adaptive capacity, will provide a surer footing for debate and action on adaptation.
To the UK water industry, its regulators and customers this will mean planning to invest in the protection of vital water sources and strengthening the drainage system.
But there is also surely a message for the UK as a rich nation in a part of the world that is expected to be less affected than many under-developed countries in more vulnerable regions.
Whether through aid or technical support, lobbying governments or following the example of many water company staff in contributing expertise and energy in poor communities, everyone and every business can in some way help prevent or at least mitigate a potential tragedy.
