Water

This policy briefing focuses on the impact of climate change on livelihoods, development and vulnerability in Kachchh, India. The semi-arid district of Kachchh in Gujarat is known for its erratic rainfall, water scarcity, and droughts. Climate change has

This edition of Resilience Scan summarises writing and debates in the field of resilience during the third quarter of 2017. It comprises an 'expert view' on coastal resilience, an analysis of Twitter discussions from the past six months, and summaries of

With 90% of Hull standing below the high-tide line, its devastating recent floods were a sign of things to come. Can the UK’s 2017 city of culture be retrofitted against disaster – or should its people think about moving on?

This case study aims to improve the understanding of climate vulnerability in Quito, Ecuador, as part of efforts to consolidate separate pieces of research on climate impacts and vulnerability and to fill gaps in the knowledge base. 

The case study

Since 2000 Central America has lost forest cover and wetlands, vital to the preservation of aquifers, which coincided with a widespread regional increase in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. The region could have 68 departments or provinces suffering severe aridity towards the end of the century, compared to fewer than 20 today.

New research has looked into the odds of a mega-drought lasting more than 30 years. The research was conducted by looking at historical data of mega-droughts to understand if climate change could stimulate a new one. Knowing the odds can help with the planning of large-scale water management to protect people, agriculture and ecosystems.

Water has been a secondary concern to the conflict in Iraq, but is now becoming a new source of conflict. Dam construction upstream in Turkey combined with more erratic rainfall is resulting in decreasing water flows in Iraqi rivers. Geopolitical issues are evident as the county might need to negotiate water-sharing agreements with Turkey and Iran.

An initiative of Italy, Switzerland, UNEP and FAO, the Mountain Partnership is committed to increasing mountain conservation awareness, rebuilding development and international policies. The partnership addresses environmental shifts brought on by climate change, disasters, and land degradation that threaten the abundance of fresh water.