The study of how climate change affects the availability and quality of water resources, and the development of adaptation strategies.
Climate change: The scientific discussion of how global temperatures and weather patterns are changing.
Natural water processes: How water moves through soils, rocks, and the atmosphere to form precipitation, and how this water cycle can be altered by climate changes.
Hydrological theory: The study of how water moves through catchments, rivers, lakes, and groundwater systems. This includes the quantification of surface runoff and aquifers.
Water quality: The study of water chemistry, including the identification of pollutants from natural and human sources, and methods for controlling or remediating them.
Water management policies: An overview of water laws and regulations, focusing on water rights, conservation practices, and water allocation.
Ecosystems and biodiversity: The effects of changes in hydrology and water quality on ecosystems, including the effects of changes in temperature, salinity, and moisture.
Sustainable water development: The development of concepts and measures to ensure water resources sustainability, including policies, practices, and institutional frameworks.
Renewable energy: The use of renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar, and hydro-energy for water pumping and irrigation.
Human influences: The effects of population growth, urbanization, and industrialization on water resources.
Climate adaptation: Strategies and policies that are being introduced to help regions develop resilience to the effects of climate change on water resources.
Global Warming: The increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels.
Extreme Weather Events: Changes in precipitation patterns and temperature extremes leading to increased frequency and severity of extreme events such as heat waves, droughts, floods, and storms.
Sea Level Rise: The gradual and ongoing rise in global sea levels resulting from the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, combined with thermal expansion of warmer sea water.
Biodiversity Loss: The loss of species due to destruction or fragmentation of habitats, change in climate and temperature, and other factors.
Surface Water Resources: Water that is found on the surface in rivers, lakes, wetlands, and other natural bodies of water.
Groundwater Resources: Water that is stored in underground aquifers, which can be accessed through wells and springs.
Rainwater Harvesting: The practice of collecting and storing rainwater for later use, primarily in dry areas with limited surface or groundwater resources.
Desalination: The process of removing salt and other minerals from salty or brackish water, making it safe to use for agriculture, drinking, and other purposes.
Water Conservation: The wise and efficient use of water resources to reduce wastage and improve efficiency, through measures such as efficient irrigation practices, water recycling, and reuse, and reducing leakages.