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.
28th IAHR International Symposium on Ice
One of the key topics for this symposium is climate change impacts on cryosphere. The International Symposium on Ice has a large collection of proceedings and they are now open access and are available on the IAHR Document Library. Check the first announcement of this symposium, to be organized during June 14-18, 2026 in Shanghai, China.
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 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.
Upcoming 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 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 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.
The following members are leading the thematic priority area on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation:
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki,
Greece
University of Brescia,
Italy
IAHR
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.
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.
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Articles on Water Management
During the 5th IAHR YPNs Congress
Climate Mitigation Measures
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