What are the links between water and climate change?

The effects of climate change on water add to the stress and pollution from human activity. Global warming from burning fossil fuels worsens water problems because it changes how water moves around the world. It causes more floods and droughts, melts ice and snow, raises sea levels, makes seawater mix with fresh water, and dirties water sources. Water demand affects water quality as the increased consumption can lead to the degradation of water sources. These changes affect our human rights to have clean and safe water and sanitation and other rights that depend on water, such as food, health, and education.

The changing weather patterns also affect water resource management, challenging existing practices and policies that rely on historical data and trends. Water managers and users will have to cope with the uncertainty of water availability and demand, and balance the needs of different sectors and stakeholders. Water also has the power to fight back against climate change, as it can be used as a clean energy source, such as hydropower, solar thermal, and bioenergy. Water can also help sequester carbon through wetlands conservation and restoration.

GHD is a global professional services company that provides engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services to private and public sector clients. We care deeply about our planet and its people and are committed to safeguarding them for the future. That’s why our vision, values, and policies are guided by the principles of sustainable development and climate action. We can support you in addressing the water-related challenges and opportunities posed by climate change, by providing innovative solutions that integrate technical expertise, stakeholder engagement, and social responsibility.

For example, we helped develop the Fishermans Bend Water Sensitive City Strategy in Melbourne, focusing on sustainable urban transformation through water-sensitive design, including green infrastructure, smart rainwater tanks, and stormwater management to address climate resilience and protect against flooding and sea-level rise.

Water scarcity affects the economy in many ways, and GHD understands this well. We aim to create projects that ensure water security while considering the economic ramifications of water scarcity. Take action today, and explore our innovative projects that tackle the crucial issues of water and climate change.

Visit our website to learn more about how we are working towards a sustainable future, safeguarding water resources, and creating resilient solutions.

Articles referenced

^{UN Human Rights Council 2019, Report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation on climate change, retrieved June 2, 2023, from https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/thematic-reports/ahrc4247-human-rights-water-and-sanitation-spheres-life-beyond-household}

^{UN Water n.d., ‘Water and climate change’, retrieved June 2, 2023, from https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-and-climate-change}

^{World Water Assessment Programme 2020, UN world water development report 2020: Water and climate change, retrieved June 2, 2023, from https://www.unesco.org/en/wwap/wwdr/2020}