Integrated Watershed Management

Integrated Watershed Management

An Overview of the Effects of Climate Change on Watersheds and Adaptation Strategies

Document Type : Review article

Author
Maryam Rezaei
Researcher, Department of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research, Kerman Agricultural and Natural Resource Research Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Kerman, Iran
10.22034/iwm.2024.2026335.1147
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Climate change and its consequences are significant concerns for Iran and the world, making it essential to assess vulnerability and develop adaptation strategies. Understanding the potential impact of climate change on hydrological processes at the watershed scale is crucial for watershed management decisions, as most measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on water resources are implemented at this level. A review of research on the effects of climate change on water resources indicates that changes in global climate patterns have significantly impacted precipitation and temperature variations. These changes influence soil erosion through alterations in rainfall intensity, vegetation cover, and surface runoff production.
Materials and Methods: The research method is a review, and the tool for data collection is documents and records related to the topic. A broad search of studies in the literature was initially conducted. In the first stage, the search criteria and databases were determined, utilizing databases such as Google Scholar, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, and Springer. The search criterion was the topic of the articles, with keywords including "climate change," "hydrology," "climatic parameters," "mitigation and adaptation," "evapotranspiration," "Greenhouse gases," and "General circulation models". In the second stage, the retrieved articles were categorized and analyzed. A total of 65 articles published in the statistical period  (1988 -2024) were examined and reviewed.
Results and Discussion: Increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations due to climate change affect the water cycle, as well as the structure and distribution of plants and evapotranspiration. The main concern arising from global warming is that it disrupts the water cycle. Any changes in the rainfall regime and amount, along with variations in temperature and evaporation, affect the nutrition of groundwater. Generally, the groundwater recharge rate will increase in areas experiencing higher rainfall. Studies have shown that the temperature variable will continue to rise in response to global warming until the year 2099 across various countries. Higher temperatures generally lead to an increase in potential evaporation, primarily due to the increased water-holding capacity of the air. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the global average temperature is projected to increase by 1.4 to 5.8 °C by the year 2100, assuming a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. This rise in temperature is expected to lead to several consequences, including sea level rise, changes in precipitation patterns (up to ±20%), and other alterations in local climate conditions. It is estimated that, during the 20th century, the global average sea level increased by 12-22 centimeters. This rise is primarily attributed to the melting of snow cover and mountain glaciers, both of which have declined on average in both hemispheres. Predictions of future precipitation and runoff in different countries indicate that these variables will not follow a clear trend, with increases in some months and decreases in others. Changes in rainfall regimes and amounts, combined with temperature and evaporation variations, affect groundwater recharge. Generally, areas with higher rainfall will experience an increase in groundwater recharge rates.
Conclusion: To mitigate the damages caused by climate change, several actions are essential. These include reducing desertification and deforestation, implementing sustainable forest management practices, increasing carbon storage through forest development, and restoring forests and soils. Land preservation and management, using woody plants to combat runoff and soil erosion, and reducing the frequency of floods and landslides are also crucial. Additionally, replacing new coal-fired power stations with clean and renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, is necessary. Agroforestry plays a vital role in providing environmental services. It helps maintain forest functions that support watershed management, reduce greenhouse gas concentrations by absorbing atmospheric CO2 and storing it in plant biomass, and preserve biodiversity. Given its significant benefits, agroforestry is often cited as an example of a "healthy agricultural system.
Keywords
Climate Scenarios
Anthropogenic Changes‎
Greenhouse Gases
Water Resources‎

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 12 April 2024
  • Revise Date 20 July 2024
  • Accept Date 05 August 2024