Hydro-Climatic Extremes: Climate Change and Human Influence

Abstract

The impacts of extreme events, such as floods and droughts, can have devastating consequences. So far, the effects of these events on human societies, including the loss of lives and properties, as well as their influence on economic investments, have continued unabated. Living with climate extremes in the twenty-first century has become a way of life. However, it is also a concept that demands thorough understanding. This understanding is crucial for enhancing plans for adaptation, making risk-based decisions, implementing mitigation strategies, and improving drought resilience. This chapter delves into the impacts of extreme events, including their socio-economic implications and the changes in the characteristics of hydroclimatic extremes. It also explores socio-hydrological systems and examines the role of climate shocks in causing water crises, affecting food security, driving migration, and triggering geopolitical conflicts. The chapter discusses the threats of climate-induced water scarcity and the risks associated with mismanaging environmental assets. Furthermore, this chapter emphasizes the need for effective water governance in large freshwater hotspots to alert stakeholders and the public sector to these dangers. As a crucial step towards achieving these goals, this chapter underscores the importance of operational monitoring, utilizing innovative tools that deepen our understanding of changes in environmental systems.