Incorporating climate change in water planning

Abstract

Population increases and municipal and recreational uses, as well as growing uncertainties about the effects of global climate change, call for a new approach to water use and water resource management. Two powerful tools, climate change risk assessment and total water management, can be used to determine the vulnerability of water management systems to climate change. These tools can also be used to drive the development of integrated water management strategies and infrastructure to provide water supplies that are more resilient to the effects of climate change. One approach for assessing the risks of climate change to water systems is to use a dual analytical framework known as the threshold‐scenario risk assessment. The framework comprises two parts: the more qualitative threshold risk assessment approach; and, the quantitative scenario risk assessment approach. This article provides tools, resources, examples, and new, holistic solutions that can be used to manage both the built and natural portions of the water cycle. Water professionals will find this approach more effective than considering the components separately when addressing the challenges posed by global climate change.