Freshwater availability under climate change

Tony Falkland*, Ian White

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    14 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The 2014 Samoa UN Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) reaffirmed the vulnerability of SIDS to global changes and extreme events. The effect of climate change on freshwater availability was highlighted as a major challenge. Here, we examine the diverse sources and uses of freshwater in Pacific island countries. The hydrological processes that determine freshwater availability, including ENSO events, and their historic trends across the Pacific are presented. Current challenges to water security are summarised, and the projected impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, on freshwater availability are considered. Current projections handle poorly the all-important impact of ENSO events, and because of the observed resilience of islands to sea level change, there is significant uncertainty about projections on freshwater availability apart from an increase in rainfall intensity. The best adaptation strategy appears to be overcoming the current challenges by building on the recognised strengths of island communities and investing in education and training.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSpringer Climate
    PublisherSpringer
    Pages403-448
    Number of pages46
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2020

    Publication series

    NameSpringer Climate
    ISSN (Print)2352-0698
    ISSN (Electronic)2352-0701

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