Climate change and Watershed management

The rise of temperature increases the evapotranspiration, and the increase in the extreme event of rainfall and temperature induces more flood and drought. Currently, water scarcity is one of the major problems in the world; the changes in temperature and rainfall-related climate of change make it worse. Therefore of watershed management plays a significant role in adapting to climate change by managing scarce water resources. The effective management of water is vital to improve livelihoods and foster food efficiency.

Climate change can significantly impact streamflow, sediment loading, nutrient loading in the watershed. It also affects the timing and magnitude of runoff and sediment yield. The variability of flows and pollutants loading resulting from climate change has significant implications on water supplies.

Source:cowichanwatershedboard.ca

Watershed management defines as the management of human activities and their impact on the environment in a geographical area defined by a watercourse. It is applied to promote the linkage between the upstream and downstream environments and the peoples as well. Water management includes different activities of water management to meet the scarce of water resources.

Linkage of watershed management with climate change, adaptation, and mitigation:

  • Besides the environmental benefits, it also benefits livelihoods, resilience, food security, and poverty reductions.
  • It can facilitate achieving multiple objectives by helping communities adapt to climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve people’s livelihood, and environmental conservation.
  • It allows providing great benefit than individual benefit.
  • Enables to be a more effective use of time and financial resources.
  • It helps a diverse group of stakeholders and institutions to work together to address issues.

References

JOOSTEN, K. & GREY, S. 2017. Integrating climate change adaptation and mitigation into the watershed management approach in Eastern Africa: discussion paper and good practices booklet. Integrating climate change adaptation and mitigation into the watershed management approach in Eastern Africa: discussion paper and good practices booklet.

MARSHALL, E. & RANDHIR, T. 2008. Effect of climate change on watershed system: a regional analysis. Climatic Change, 89, 263-280.