Do you realise that the Earth has a fever? A fever that threatens humankind? This great burning point is climate change! We know that we live in an ever-changing world, and we often struggle to adapt. What makes this specific change significant, however, is the speed at which it is taking place along with the many conflicting views and opinions. Driving forces that contribute to climate change, include change in land use, utilisation and management of our resources, and human responses, affecting the biodiversity, terrestrial environment, and atmosphere of planet Earth.
Whilst our existence among others depends on sustainable provisioning of clean water, many consider water to be the core aspect of climate change and call the so-called climate crisis a water crisis. Sustainable water management is thus the key to build a society and ecosystems that are resilient1, in which we all have a role to play. One consequence of climate change relates to water and the management thereof. As it is expected that weather events become more extreme in the future with a change in precipitation patterns, an increase in water pollution and unpredictable water availability can be expected1 & 2. This in turn will threaten access to clean water and sanitation and consequently, sustainable development1.
In South Africa, climate change is likely to cause more frequent droughts, less rainfall, and more intense rainfall events3 & 4. This, along with a growing population is likely to cause increased pressure on water resources5. The resulting increase in water scarcity and further possible food insecurity might cause civil unrest and increased migration. In addition to the growing demand for water, there will be requirements for more intensive water pumping1 and equipment that can sustain the unpredictable water provisioning. This in turn depends on the form of power to be used for pumping which may also further contribute to climate change. Accordingly, additional pressure will likely be placed on water provisioning systems.
Source: https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/demuth.pdf
