Global warming and water resources in the arid and semi-arid regions: Considering adaptation for sustainable development

In arid and semi-arid lands, water has become a very limited resource. Water shortages are permanent features in the lives of the populations in many areas and the situation is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. Rapid development process is threatening some water supplies through salinisation and pollution. On the other hand, water demand is increasing due to increases in standards of living and population growth. Water will continue to remain as a scarce resource in the future as projected increases in precipitation are small, and temperatures and evaporation rates are projected to rise. To help ease the situation, conservation measures and reuse of water are already in practice in some arid and semi-arid countries. This paper addresses present water shortages, possible effects of climate change on future water availability and adaptation measures to ensure sustainable development of scarce water resources in a warmer climate.