Water-resource management in Mexico under climate change

Abstract

In Mexico, pressure on water resources exists in all sectors. This, coupled with population growth and the consequent increase in demand for water, could drive communities and cities whose water supply is limited to become more vulnerable in the future. Also, the effects of climate change have been felt through a series of hydrometeorological disasters, such as floods and droughts, that have produced impacts on the economic system and the safety of the population. The country studies that have addressed the impact of climate change on supply systems and flood management are reduced. It is therefore urgent to give attention to areas of the country that are most vulnerable. But it is also important to address other aspects of water resources that will be affected by the effects of climate change. This chapter presents some of the studies that have addressed the effect of climate change on water resources. It includes studies examining the effects at the country level and at the local level such as a city. An analysis to determine the future demand and vulnerability of a city due to local scale effects and the feasibility of capturing rainwater as a potential adaptation are presented. The studies focus on the quality and quantity of water that could be expected under future climate scenarios for Mexico. Other studies consider urban, rural, and coastal areas. Some adaptation measures that could be implemented in the country are suggested in this document.