Introduction

Changes to the earth's climate have a direct effect on the global hydrological cycle and hence on water.  Changes in climate are thought to be responsible for increasing the extremes of flood and drought, both of which, together with other circumstances such as increasing populations and environmental degradation, tend to effect the poor the greatest.  One of the most notable causes of climate change is global warming due at least partially to the emission of 'greenhouse gasses'.  

Increasing concern is being expressed by NGOs, academics, governments and UN agencies regarding climate change which has led to the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.  There remains no comprehensive agreement amongst nations on the implementation of the convention or the protocol, however.
  

  
The effects of climate change on water resources

To understand the effects of climate change on water resources, review the following documents:-

Information Sheet # 13 - "The effects of climate change on water".  This is part of the UNEP Information Kit on Climate Change (Download the full Information Kit in pdf format)

A recent report entitled "The Potential Consequences of Climate Variability and Change for the Water Resources of the United States" provides a useful insight into the essential issues raised by climate change as it effects water resources.  These are summarised in the Executive Summary.

  
The 1992 Framework Convention on Climate Change

The Convention

Download full text of the Convention (pdf)

The 1997 Kyoto Protocol