Climate change and (in)security in transboundary river basins

Rising water demands and global climate change threaten to significantly amplify strains on the world's transboundary water resources. Shifting precipitation patterns and fluctuating river flows may alter freshwater availability even as worsening extreme weather events exacerbate water hazards. Climate pressures on shared water resources, in conjunction with other political and socio-economic factors, may contribute to heightening social tensions and stoking political grievances that could catalyze violent conflicts. Water disasters such as floods and droughts can destroy lives and livelihoods, potentially destabilizing vulnerable countries and communities, and prospectively endangering peace and human security. Recognizing and responding to these challenges demands integrated and cooperative approaches among water users at all levels. Policymakers must strive to improve early warning and disaster risk reduction systems, and to extend cooperative institutions and practices to build adaptive capacity and climate resilience, enhancing societies' ability to absorb shocks and prioritizing sustainable water management and safeguarding human security.