Publisher's Synopsis
Despite the increasing acceptance of the high probability of climate change it seems that too many water utilities and authorities are not yet treating it as a priority. However, within and without these bodies there is a growing concern to be better informed about the likelihood of climate change and its impacts. This motivated the active participation of more than 120 water managers and scientists in the 2nd IWA-Aquatech conference.
From the 55 papers and posters on the programme, 19 articles have been selected following peer review for this publication; they deal with four themes: risk assessment methodologies; communicating risks; space for water; and innovations in technology. They report methodological and computational advancements in climate and water science which can now provide probabilistic information on climate, precipitation and run-off changes at seasonal and decadal time scales, thus enabling climate-proofing water management practices and water services. These contribute to a portfolio of structural (dams, dikes, reservoirs) and non-structural (forecasting and early warning, spatial planning and risk spreading) measures as an effective means to cope with climate change. Papers also elaborate the importance of properly framing communication messages for decision makers as well as the public so as to overcome the tensions and divides between concepts, cultures and disciplines.
These papers will provide all interested parties with essential insights into the technological, policy and managerial responses to climate change and its impacts.
