How is climate change likely to affect the availability of water resources?
• Rising temperatures will accelerate the hydrological cycle, changing the temporal and spatial distribution of freshwater, though total planetary water availability is likely to remain constant. The shrinkage of glaciers will probably result in reduced flows to areas which rely on such supplies in lean seasons. Should sea levels rise, coastal aquifers could suffer reductions in water quality. Demand from human consumption, agriculture and natural vegetation are expected to alter as well. All these factors are likely to have an impact on our water management practices.
