Author(s): C. Prakash Khedun; Vijay P. Singh
Linked Author(s): Vijay Singh
Keywords: Water security; Climate change; Climate variability
Abstract: Access to water is still a major problem around the world, despite the fact that less than 10% of annual discharge is actually withdrawn by humans. Nearly 80% of the world’s population is exposed to high levels of threat to water security. A large percentage of the world’s populations live in areas that are subject to extreme seasonal changes in precipitation and evaporation. Climate variability and change represent formidable challenges for the water resources management community. In this article the influence of climate variability and change on the hydrological cycle and hence water availability is discussed, and how water security can be engineering in light of these new challenges. Traditional engineering education and practices may not be sufficient; research, technological innovations, changes to infrastructure design and development, and education should receive maximum attention to ensure water security in the face of these impending challenges.
Year: 2013