PS-2: Climate Change Vulnerability, Mitigation, and Adaptation

Climate change is intensifying pressure on water systems, exacerbating vulnerabilities and disproportionately affecting communities with limited adaptive capacity. From prolonged droughts and extreme floods to declining water quality and ecosystem degradation, the impacts of climate change threaten the sustainability of water resources, food systems, public health, and economic development. As the global climate continues to change, water managers, policymakers, and communities must develop and implement integrated approaches to mitigate risks and build resilience. Effective climate responses require a deep understanding of vulnerabilities, proactive mitigation strategies, and context-specific adaptation pathways. These must be guided by science, grounded in inclusive governance, and supported by innovation and finance. This session will examine the interconnectedness of water and climate, with a focus on addressing vulnerability, implementing mitigation strategies, and accelerating adaptation. It aligns with the CWW 2025 overarching theme by showcasing forward-thinking solutions to ensure water sustainability in a changing climate. To provide a strategic platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange on water-related climate vulnerabilities, and to highlight mitigation and adaptation approaches that are practical, inclusive, and scalable. The session will aim to identify integrated solutions and policy actions that can support climate-resilient water management at local, national, and transboundary levels.