Climate change and water resources: evidence and estimate in China

Climate change impact on water resources is uncertain. This article reviews water resources changes during the past 50 years in China, as well as the modelled results under different scenarios, to figure out a basic framework on the relationship between climate change, water resources and water resources management. China is a rapidly developing country with a large land area and diverse landscape and climate. Due to limited water resources, China is facing water shortage. Studies have shown that climate change has a significant impact on China, especially in north, which faces severe water shortage. The model also shows that in the next 50-100 years an average increase in precipitation is not likely to alleviate water shortage in North China. This is a challenge for water resources management in China. Therefore, all aspects of water resources management, including infrastructure development and non-structural instruments, water saving and new water sources development, etc. should be strengthened to solve the current water problems and prepare to adapt to future changes.