ABSTRACT
Here we describe the context for water policy and planning in western United States and the implications of natural climate variability and anthropogenic climate change for the region’s water resources. The questions related to water resource planning and policy development that face western water managers, policy makers, and citizens are made more challenging by extreme droughts, floods, and the likelihood of further changes in climate. This chapter discusses the purpose and focus of the book and provides an overview of its content and key messages.
