Hydrology as the Core of Climate Policy
The climate crisis is fundamentally a water crisis. Prof. Dr. Mariele Evers, UNESCO Chair in Human-Water-Systems at the University of Bonn, advocates for a paradigm shift that places water security at the center of global climate discourse.
The Mechanism: Water as a Transmitter
Atmospheric warming disrupts the natural water cycle, acting as a transmitter that intensifies hydrological extremes. This dynamic manifests in two critical ways:
Hydrological Excess: Intensified precipitation leading to severe, destructive flooding.
Hydrological Scarcity: Prolonged droughts that deplete reservoirs and compromise agricultural systems.
Data-Driven Solutions
Addressing these threats requires moving beyond reactive engineering toward sustainable watershed management. This approach relies on:
- Eco-hydrology: Evaluating the natural flood-mitigation capacity of floodplains.
- Co-production of Data: Generating precise environmental models to assist political decision-making.
- Socio-technical Strategies: Engaging local communities to protect regional water resources.
Ultimately, global climate adaptation cannot succeed without prioritizing systemic, data-driven water governance at international summits like COP.