Climate change is arguably the most severe long-term threat to development facing this and future generations. By altering the water cycle, climate change will exacerbate the water management problems that countries already face. Climate change will have significant, often dramatic consequences – higher sea levels, more variable rainfall, more frequent and intense floods and droughts, and rapid desertification. Risks related to climate change impede agricultural development. They are a major challenge to the management of natural resources and barriers to the transition from poverty to prosperity.
Global Water Partnership promotes better water management, “climate-proofing” infrastructure and adaptation as the best ways to reduce the impact of climate change while maintaining socioeconomic development. Global Water Partnership recognises that there are many actors involved in various aspects of climate change and will therefore focus on contributing to work on adaptation with respect to water resources. Global Water Partnership will offer practical, regionally relevant advice and guidance on adapting to climate change so that it becomes an integral part of current and future water resources management approaches.