Water monitoring 'vital to mediate climate change effects'

Monitoring the world's water supplies and developing a global consensus about how to cope with water-related issues caused by climate change is vital, an expert has said.

Speaking to Reuters, chair of UN-Water Zafar Adeel, said that the main problems caused by rising global temperatures will relate to water and its supply.

"It has an impact on all parts of our life as a society, on natural systems, habitats," he told the news provider.

Specific problems include desertification, flash floods and outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, the current affairs agency explained.

Mr Adeel expressed concern that water shortages could lead to conflict, however, he noted that the basic need for water can also lead to cross-governmental agreements, such as those surrounding the Indus and Mekong Rivers.

The UN has designated March 22nd as World Water Day in a bid to raise awareness about water quality and how successfully managing this can lead to healthier communities and eco-systems around the globe.

Posted by Claire Manning