The above map, produced by the World Resources Institute
and others, indicates regions that are currently under water
stress. Regions in red are currently worst affected (click
here
for a larger map). Climate change is expected to increase
the pressures on dwindling freshwater supplies in many regions
of the world that are already under severe water stress
(view New Scientist 2004
article).
UNDP Programme Officers are encouraged to draw on the latest
scientific findings on the vulnerability of water resources
to climate change when formulating adaptation projects.
The "Relevant Links" section below provides some
starting points for additional information.
Overview
Expected impacts of climate change
on water resources include:
-
higher precipitation in some regions
and reduction in others;
-
increased evaporation;
-
changes in runoff and available
surface flow, causing changes in the infiltration
rates of water in soils;
-
drier regions will be more sensitive
to changes in hydrological regimes;
-
rising sea level, which can adversely
affect freshwater supplies;
-
additional stress on scarce water
supplies;
Adaptation-related projects on water
resources could focus on short and long-term response
strategies. This includes regulations and technologies
for directly controlling land and water use, the implementation
of hard and soft measures, and improvements in water-management
operations and institutions. Other adaptation measures
could include measures to maintain flood plains, protect
waterside vegetation, restore river channels, and reduce
water pollution.
Funding for Adaptation Projects
Adaptation-related projects that address
climate change impacts on coastal zones are potentially
eligible under any of the currently active funds. LDCs,
with projects focusing on short-term adaptation strategies,
must submit proposals under the LDCF.
Projects that focus on long-term adaptation measures
must be submitted under the SCCF
(please note: for non-LDCs, adaptation projects with
short-term measures are not eligible for funding under
any adaptation fund as they should be covered by baseline
activities). Projects submitted under the SPA
are required to demonstrate global environmental benefits
in an appropriate focal area.
|
Portfolio