Introduction to adaptation to climate change through water resources management

This book presents evidence of the emerging wealth of knowledge and experience on adaptation to climate change from across the world. Adaptation is inherently local in both processes and outcomes, as compared to mitigation which is a global commons problem. The raison d’être for this edited volume is for diverse young and established researchers to add to this growing body of evidence, drawing from all continents and climates, from the most arid and water scarce countries to arctic environments; from countries with well-established and sophisticated policies on adaptation, to fragile states and border regions; from large, complex basins, to rural communities. What emerges is a picture of adaptation as the iterative application of learning in the face of change. The systems-based theoretical framework we present helps us draw out key barriers and bridges to adaptation through water resources management from this volume’s diverse and global case study chapters.