Calming the Waters: Why We Need to Better Integrate Climate and Water Policy

Aug 23, 2016 | Sabine Blumstein
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The Nile River is shared by 11 countries, for which it is vital for food and energy production, freshwater, and as a means of transportation. Sharing the resources of the Nile has, however, been politically difficult. Recently, the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has caused a major dispute with downstream Egypt which fears the dam will affect water flow in its own territory.

Considering that climate change is expected to intensify droughts and other water-related challenges in many international river basins, it is important to build up adaptive capacities now in places like the Nile basin to manage risks, safeguard livelihoods, and prevent conflict.