Significant effects by Climate Change on the ecosystem and our way of life are imminent.

Water is, perhaps, the primary means by which Climate Change affects the human population. This is evident right from the subtle changes in water availability that increase the fragility of livelihoods, to more drastic events like natural disasters.

According to most recent estimates, Hurricane Mitch set back economic development in several Central American countries by 20 years. Successive droughts in Kenya in 1997/8 and 1999/2000 are said to have cost the country 40-49% of its GDP, while the 1999 flood in Mozambique led to a 23% decrease in the GDP. According to the World Meteorological Organisation, storms, floods and droughts claimed over half-a-billion lives in the last decade and affected over two billion people.

This makes it extremely important to develop a good understanding of the water-related effects of Climate Change, on communities around the world. The following videos illustrate some cases:

• Malawi: Climate Change in Dumba Village
• Peru/Bangladesh/Ethopia: The Dove, the Duck and The Camel
• Samoa: Tofiga O Pili Aau
• Africa: Hot Spots
• The Netherlands: Waterproof

The Climate challenge has also brought about innovative adaptation measures. They have emerged in laboratories, and from within affected communities around the world. The innovations are diverse, and include specific technologies, policy measures, as well as community mobilization techniques. Some of them are as follows:

• Kenya: Kitui Sand Dams
• China: Loess Plateau Rehabilitation
• (MetaMeta): Introduction to the 3R approach
• Bangladesh: Baira, the Floating Gardens
• Niger: An Oasis of Life
• (BBC): Hope in a Changing Climate

For more perspectives and data on Water and Climate Change Adaptation, visit The Water and Climate Channel document library and IFAD’s Climate Change resources.

Featured Documents:

• World Water Council: The Changing Himalayas: Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources and Livelihoods in the Greater Himalayas
• Steenbergen et al (2009): Managing the Water Buffer- for development and climate change adaptation
• Cap-Net (2009): Training manual: IWRM as a Tool for Adaptation to Climate Change
• IFAD (2009): Spate Irrigation, Livelihood Improvement and Adaptation to Climate Variability and Changes.
• UN (2009): Water and Climate Change Reader

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