What can we do?
Different people give different answers.
Some argue that since we cannot be sure how climate will react to changes in the atmosphere and the biosphere, we cannot know the outcome of global warming. Why worry if it might not happen?
Others say that because we do not know how the water supply will be affected at the regional level, there's no point in spending time and resources on what is only a possibility.
Experts have recommended two general strategies:
- One has to do with preventing or limiting the cause of climate change, by cutting back on production of greenhouse gases and planting more forests.
- The other has to do with anticipating and adapting to change (as it comes), for instance, moving from low-lying coasts or planting crops suited to a warmer, drier climate.
It would make sense to follow both of these strategies. Even a concerted effort to limit the greenhouse effect will not entirely stop the changes in climate: there are time lags between greenhouse gas accumulation and climate change, and between climate change and its impacts on natural resources. While this time lag makes it all the more important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions immediately, it also means that we shall have to adapt to some change in climate.
Adaptive measures include conservation and efficiency strategies that are beneficial even without climate change. These include using less water, making regional water management more efficient, and instituting realistic water pricing. They include reviewing levels of protection from hazards such as floods, droughts, and forest fires. They also include conserving energy, using alternative energy sources and changing agricultural practices: these would all help to limit future climate change.
We need to manage the water resource more effectively for other reasons – to accommodate to its natural variation and to cope with the demands of a fast-growing population. More effective management would also help us to be prepared for changes in the water supply induced by climate change. Further, a strategy for conserving water quality and quantity, as well as reducing atmospheric pollution makes environmental sense, regardless of the presence or absence of a specific climatic crisis.
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