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Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

 News and Highlights  Theme Leaders  Resources  How to Participate  Related  Keep me updated

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

41st IAHR World CongressOrganisation 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.

Adaptive Management for Climate ChangeUpcoming issue 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.

Water MonographsUpcoming publication of an 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 WaterIAHR 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.

Interview to Roberto Ranzi, Chair of the IAHR Technical Committee on Climate ChangeInterview to Roberto Ranzi, Chair of the IAHR Technical Committee on Climate Change – On the occasion of the World Water Day on Glacier Preservation
World Water Day 2025 highlights the urgent need to preserve the glaciers as part of the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) campaign to protect these vital freshwater resources. Glaciers play a fundamental role in regulating water resources, supporting ecosystems, and mitigating climate extremes. However, their accelerated melting due to climate change presents a severe challenge to global water security and sea level rise.

 Theme Leaders

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

Elpida Kolokytha

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 

Greece

Roberto Ranzi

University of Brescia,

Italy

Tom Soo

IAHR


 Access to Resources

IAHR Resource Guide on Climate Change

Discover a wealth of knowledge through the IAHR Resource Guide on Climate Change. Gain access to thousands of videos, publications, and related documents that support research, innovation, and solutions in climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Explore these resources and stay informed on the latest developments in hydro-environmental sciences by visiting the guide.

 How to Participate

IAHR unites over 5,000 experts globally in hydro-environmental sciences and their practical applications. With more than 20 technical committees, working groups, regional divisions, national chapters, and partnerships with leading water institutions, IAHR is at the forefront of advancing climate change adaption and mitigation.

Join Our Communities

IAHR welcomes both individual members and organisations to contribute. Explore the Directory of IAHR Experts and connect with our vibrant Technical Communities. Explore our Committee on Climate Change and Mitigation.

Collaborate: Join existing initiatives or propose new ones.  IAHR offers a truly global platform to exchange, inform and work together.

Reach out to theme leaders or our theme coordinator, Elsa Incio at: elsa.incio@iahr.org to discuss!

Together, we can drive innovation and solutions for pressing hydro-environmental challenges. Your expertirse and ideas are essential to our mission.

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

 Related


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Issue on Drought

Articles on three countries with a long story facing droughts

Learn more

Issue on Net Zero and Water

Articles on Water Management

Learn more

Special Sessions on Climate Change

During the 5th IAHR YPNs Congress

Learn more

Webinar on Water Requirements

Climate Mitigation Measures

Learn more

 Explore others Thematic Priority Areas:

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