Water emergencies are becoming more frequent world-wide

The effects of climate change, the overexploitation of water resources, the unequal distribution of water, the loss of ecosystem services, and related health risks are increasingly leading to water emergencies.  "We expect such regional water emergencies to occur more and more frequently, so we can now speak of a global pattern. We see this as a threat with a global dimension," warned Jörg Drewes of the German Advisory Council on Global Change (WBGU), presenting the report “Water in a Heated World to the German government in mid-October. 

In extreme cases, situations arise that are beyond the limits of controllability. They can lead to the destabilisation of political, societal and ecological systems. Climate-change mitigation, the protection of ecosystems and climate-resilient, socially balanced water management are the most important measures for preventing water emergencies.

Place water higher on the international political agenda
 

"An international water-mapping initiative is needed to identify potential crises at an early stage and avert regional water emergencies with a planetary dimension," emphasises WBGU co-chair Sabine Schlacke. The aim of this initiative would be to recognise critical developments at an early stage, exchange effective solutions and improve the transfer to policy-makers of scientific findings on dealing with water emergencies and threatening situations.

The upcoming UN Water Conferences in 2026 and 2028 offer a window of opportunity to negotiate an International Water Strategy that recognises the protection of water resources as a common concern of humankind, and strengthens and interlinks existing processes and conventions.

In addition to “blue” water (e.g. streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, groundwater), “green” water (i.e. soil moisture that enables plant growth) should be given greater consideration in the strategy and taken into account world-wide in the implementation of climate-resilient water management, the WBGU underlines in its report.

The international strategy should be incorporated into intergovernmental economic and trade relations, also to make the most of synergies between the protection of water resources and strengthening climate-neutral development and food security.

Implementing the goals of the three Rio Conventions on climate, biodiversity and desertification is essential for this. Overall, the topic of water should be placed higher on the international agenda.

Establish climate-resilient water management
 

It is of key importance, locally and regionally, to establish a climate-resilient, socially balanced water-management system in which infrastructures and procedures can adapt to the increasing changes in the water balance. Well-functioning self-organised structures, e.g. water-user associations, should be strengthened and supported, the WBGU members point out.

The protection of water quality requires consistent implementation of the zero-pollution approach and an efficient circular water economy, incorporating ecosystems and the active management of green water in the form of soil moisture. "However, this will not succeed without credible long-term funding for the necessary measures from both public and private sources," says WBGU co-chair Karen Pittel.

Strengthen science for climate-resilient water management
 

The science system has a key role to play in dealing with exacerbated water-related challenges. Climate change is increasingly altering precipitation patterns, runoff volumes, and the scale and frequency of flooding events and extended dry periods involving extreme heatwaves. This reduces the reliability of water-availability forecasts as a basis for planning processes.

More precise data on water availability and water requirements are needed to better take these changes into account. This can only be achieved by a digitalisation campaign that provides real-time data as well as scenarios on expected future, long-term developments of the local water balance. Here, science is called upon to continuously collect and evaluate data, and provide planning-relevant and solution- orientated knowledge, the WBGU members conclude in their report.

(WBGU/IDOS/wi)

Link to WBGU Flagship report: Water in a Heated World