The
Water Research Foundation recently launched a beta version of its Web site
dedicated to providing scientific information and practical advice about
climate change’s impact on water. The site,www.theclimatechangeclearinghouse.org, is part of the
Foundation’s sustained, multi-year effort to evaluate the impact of climate
change on water and help solve the challenges it poses to our nation’s water
suppliers.
The
Water Research Foundation recently launched a beta version of its Web site
dedicated to providing scientific information and practical advice about
climate change’s impact on water. The site,www.theclimatechangeclearinghouse.org,
is designed to be a “one-stop shop” for water utilities and the public seeking
information about this rapidly changing topic. The site is part of the
Foundation’s sustained, multi-year effort to evaluate the impact of climate
change on water and help solve the challenges it poses to our nation’s water
suppliers.
“Our
climate change clearinghouse provides a much needed service: it distills
scientifically credible, available knowledge and offers an in-depth view of the
topic. It also provides practical, hands-on guidance for water utilities,” said
Robert C. Renner, the Foundation’s executive director. “In the long run, we
hope users will visit the site not only to get the latest information, and
tools, but also to share insights, experiences and lessons-learned relating to
the management of climate change.”
The
climate change clearinghouse provides an overview of existing knowledge about
climate change, including fundamentals of climate change science, and effects
of climate change on the water cycle. Users can find case studies about how
leading water utilities have incorporated climate change into their strategic
planning. The site also includes links to relevant information and activities
of other organizations and federal agencies.
The
Foundation will continue to add information to ensure that the site is relevant
and current. In the long run, the site will be a hub of social networking tools
to help users share information as the state of climate science evolves.
About Climate Change and
Water
Scientists agree that
ongoing changes in our global climate will impact the environment and
freshwater resources, and that the effects of such changes are already being
felt in some places. Climate change is likely to trigger unpredictable rains
and floods in some areas, making it more challenging to treat and store water.
In other areas, hotter weather and decreased precipitation will likely reduce
water supply and increase consumer demand. Ultimately, less water may impact
our communities, agricultural production, and economic development.
The Water Research Foundation has sponsored a large
body of research on energy management and sustainable water dating to the early
1990s, and also initiated the first research aimed specifically at climate
change impact on water in 2003. Their partners in Europe and Australia
have provided case studies that teach best practices.