Water resources and climate change: impacts, mitigation and adaptation

Sustainable development in the already vulnerable MENA Region faces several challenges, among which is climate change. Though the MENA Region is not a main contributor to climate change, it is predicted that several vital sectors will be negatively impacted, which is a threat to the sustainability of its socio-economic development. Water availability in the MENA Region is expected to be negatively impacted by climate change due to the predicted reduction of rainfall and increased evaporation. In addition, domestic and agricultural demands for freshwater will dramatically increase due to the expected temperature rise, which will enlarge the already existing gap between supply and demand in several MENA countries. It is important to note that the negative impacts on water resources will directly translate to other sectors due to their strong connectivity with the water sector. These sectors are food security, health, ecology, environment, economy and social. Predicted sea level rise due to melting of the poles is expected to result in land use change, which will in turn have severe social and economic consequences. Proper mitigation and adaptation options that take into consideration the multi-dimensional nature of the climate change impacts are imperative to conserve these sectors and to sustain the socio-economic development of the MENA Region. The objective of this book is to provide readers with state-of-the-art knowledge of diverse experiences related to the possible climate change impacts, mitigation and adaptation options in the MENA Region, and to identify and to deliberate upon the research needs and concepts against the background of increasing threats to ecosystems, economy and human health.