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Climate change presents one of the most critical challenges for the hydro-environment community, demanding innovative solutions from governments, practitioners, and researchers. Recent IPCC reports underline the urgent need to address increasing instances of heavy precipitation, severe drought, and their cascading impacts on water systems.

Water engineering plays a central role in ensuring adaptability across the entire water cycle. From urban environments to industrial plants and agricultural fields, addressing climate change requires integrated and forward-thinking approaches.

IAHR is committed to advancing cutting-edge research, best practices and actionable solutions in key areas such as:

• Design guidance under climate change

• Revised engineering practices in harmony with nature

• Resilience strategies for extreme events such as floods and droughts

• Added value of green and grey water infrastructure

• Improved coastal and environmental protection and management

• Effective practices in groundwater hydraulics and related water service

Pathways to Net Zero: Mitigating Climate Change Through Water Solutions

Over 90% of global GDP is represented by nations committed to achieving carbon neutrality. Water is a cornerstone in meeting this ambition, and IAHR emphasises the role of the water sector in enabling net-zero pathways through:

• Renewable energy solutions: Expanding the use of water-related renewable energy, including hydropower.

• Energy efficiency in water systems: Reducing energy consumption in water treatment and distribution.

• Carbon management in aquatic environments: Addressing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration.

• Water footprint reduction: Implementing efficient practices through innovative greywater infrastructure.

 News and Highlights

Organisation of a High Level Panel on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation during the 41st IAHR World Congress
With the theme “Innovative Water Engineering for Sustainable Development”, the 41st IAHR World Congress (IAHR2025) will be held from 22-27 June 2025 at the Singapore EXPO. It aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, exchange cutting-edge knowledge, and explore innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing water-related challenges.

Upcoming publication of Hydrolink Magazine (Issue 4, 2025) on Adaptive Management for Climate Change
Hydrolink is the primary magazine of the IAHR community. The online version of Hydrolink is open to non-members since 2021 as part of the efforts of the association to disseminate and share knowledge. The upcoming issue of Hydrolink will explore adaptive management for climate change, a key approach to managing uncertainty and enhancing the resilience of water systems.

Upcoming publication of a IAHR Water Monograph Series on Hydraulic design guidance in a changing climate                                                                     

Authors: Roberto Ranzi, Abdalla A. Ahmed, Deg-Hyo Bae, Kenichiro Kobayashi, Iñigo Losada Rodriguez, Guinevere Nalder, Bregie van Wesenbeeck.

IAHR works with UN Water to describe water dependencies of climate mitigation
The UN-Water Analytical Brief on Water for Climate Mitigation discusses the dependency of climate mitigation on the use of water and the effective management of water resources and related services to ensure sustainable and effective outcomes.

 Theme Leaders

The following members are leading the thematic priority area on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation:

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