Introduction

'Water is the basis of all things'. It is a cross-cutting issue, playing a key role in addressing the global challenges of our time – including climate change, food and energy security, environmental sustainability and the promotion of peace and stability. The linkages between water and climate change are aptly summed up in a World Bank Report, which observes that, 'the impacts of climate change will be channelled primarily through the water cycle, with consequences that could be large and uneven across the globe'. The growing demand for energy generation, including from hydroelectric, nuclear and thermal sources, will utilise ever more significant amounts of water. The challenges faced in the governance of water have not been ignored by the international community. Agenda 21 was also preceded by the Dublin International Conference on Water and the Environment, which resulted in the 'Dublin Statement'. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.