Seyhan Dam, Turkey, and Climate Change Adaptation Strategies

Abstract

Climate change adaptation is the adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities (IPCC 2007). Water resources are significantly affected by climate change. Many studies show that the Mediterranean region of Turkey will be affected by decreasing precipitation and increasing temperatures. In this study, Seyhan Dam, located in this region, was studied as a tool for climate change adaptation strategies. This chapter provides a brief overview of the requirements that led to the construction of the Seyhan Dam, the characteristics of the basin and the dam, the results of climate change studies for the basin, and an evaluation of the adaptation strategies and policies with a broader perspective. The roles of the Seyhan Dam in increasing resilience to climate change are detailed in the first part of the chapter. The second part of the chapter explores the recent legislative and institutional changes in the water sector and assesses the impacts of these developments in the context of climate change.