Impact of Climatic Variabilities on Water Resources, Consequences, and Recommendations

Abstract

Climate change has affected almost all the hydrological events globally. The streamflow patterns and groundwater recharge estimates follow closely the predicted precipitation changes. The uncertainties in direction and magnitude of these changes are inconsistent even between similar regional scenarios. Decline in the streamflows and groundwater recharge further poses stress on water availability and food security within an economy. The trend of reduced quantity of water resources is directly proportional to the deterioration of the associated quality. The magnitude of impact of climate change on surface and groundwater resources also depends on the system characteristics and the implementation of adaptation strategies. These nonclimatic stressors have greater impact than the climatic factors in some regions.