


- Crises of water quality and quantity are intimately linked with climate change and increasing extremes.
- New empirical studies show that climate change is already causing extreme precipitation events (floods and droughts), and these extreme settings in turn lead to water crises.
- The impact of these water crises is highly unequal, which is caused by and exacerbates gender, income, and sociopolitical inequality.
- Climate change coupled with socioeconomic drivers can impact access to water of good quality.
- Water-related climate extreme events are contributing to the migration and displacement of millions of people; migration is being treated as an adaptation strategy within the international policy community.

- Crises of water quality and quantity are intimately linked with climate change and increasing extremes.
- New empirical studies show that climate change is already causing extreme precipitation events (floods and droughts), and these extreme settings in turn lead to water crises.
- The impact of these water crises is highly unequal, which is caused by and exacerbates gender, income, and sociopolitical inequality.
- Climate change coupled with socioeconomic drivers can impact access to water of good quality.
- Water-related climate extreme events are contributing to the migration and displacement of millions of people; migration is being treated as an adaptation strategy within the international policy community.
Climate change can impact water quality, as well. For instance, shifts in monsoon timings can lead to dilution or concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other pollutants. The impacts of water crises and climate risks are highly unequal, reflecting social inequality. Inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene resources disproportionately affect women and girls, leading to negative health and social outcomes. Contamination also impairs the ability of sensitive ecosystems, such as coral reefs, to recover from extreme climate events.
Recent examinations of the 2018 Cape Town water crisis highlight how it is an important illustration of future water insecurity events spurred on in part and made worse by extreme climatic events. A multi-year drought provoked the severe water crisis in Cape Town in 2018, incurring complex political and social ramifications. While existing inequalities were reinforced and competition between water users increased, new opportunities for solidarity and collective action emerged. Water conservation efforts, particularly the city’s creative campaign to reduce demand among residents and businesses, reduced the severity of water scarcity.
Climate change can impact water quality, as well. For instance, shifts in monsoon timings can lead to dilution or concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other pollutants. The impacts of water crises and climate risks are highly unequal, reflecting social inequality. Inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene resources disproportionately affect women and girls, leading to negative health and social outcomes. Contamination also impairs the ability of sensitive ecosystems, such as coral reefs, to recover from extreme climate events.
Recent examinations of the 2018 Cape Town water crisis highlight how it is an important illustration of future water insecurity events spurred on in part and made worse by extreme climatic events. A multi-year drought provoked the severe water crisis in Cape Town in 2018, incurring complex political and social ramifications. While existing inequalities were reinforced and competition between water users increased, new opportunities for solidarity and collective action emerged. Water conservation efforts, particularly the city’s creative campaign to reduce demand among residents and businesses, reduced the severity of water scarcity.

