Perspectives on water and climate change adaptation: introduction, summaries and key messages
This document aims to define and distil the critical role of water in climate change adaptation and to lay out strategic and operational priorities for adaptation of water management and services. It is expected to increase the understanding among sectors and catalyze dialogue, awareness, and commitments at multiple levels and across individual interests. Furthermore, it is intended to serve as a contribution to the dialogue and debate on climate change adaptation within the climate change negotiations.
The document also addresses specific locations where climate change effects are felt or will be felt within the next years and where urgent action is needed within the water sector: mountains, small islands, arid regions, and deltas and coastal cities. It takes into account the impacts on the sub-sector and describes how they can deal with it: environment, food, water supply and sanitation-the urban poor, business, industry, energy, and water supply and sanitation. Finally, it provides an overview of enabling mechanisms that make adaptation possible: planning, governance, finance, and engineering.