Your search found 256 records
1 Adger, W. N. 2001. Scales of governance and environmental justice for adaptation and mitigation of climate change. Journal of International Development, 13:921-931.
Climate change ; Adaptation ; Environmental effects ; Governance ; Costs ; Economic impact ; Equity ; Irrigation effects ; Environmental control ; Crop production
(Location: IWMI-HQ Call no: P 7102 Record No: H035928)
2 Ingram, J. S. I.; Gregory, P. J.; Izac, A. M. 2008. The role of agronomic research in climate change and food security policy. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 126: 4–12.
(Location: IWMI HQ Record No: H041085)
3 Chartres, Colin. 2007. Climate change adaptation for agriculture and agro-ecosystems: the critical role of water. Viewpoints. Environment Matters, 2007 (Climate change and adaptation):6-7.
Climate change ; Adaptation ; Water scarcity ; Water resource management ; Agroecosystems ; Water supply ; Water policy
(Location: IWMI HQ Record No: H041944)
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTENVMAT/64199955-1203372965627/21652237/Climate_Change_Adaptation.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H041944.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H041944.pdf
4 2007. Environment Matters. Special issue on climate change and adaptation. Washington, DC, USA: The World Bank. 64p.
Climate change ; Adaptation ; Agroecosystems ; Disaster prevention ; Health ; Financing ; Development banks ; Aid ; Biodiversity ; Drought ; Risk management ; Water management
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H041943)
(5.73 MB)
5 Eriyagama, Nishadi; Smakhtin, Vladimir. 2009. How prepared are water and agricultural sectors in Sri Lanka for climate change?: a review. Paper presented at the Water for Food Conference: national conference addressing water management issues, food security, environment and climate change in Sri Lanka, organized by the International Water Management Institute, Irrigation Department (Sri Lanka), Department of Agriculture (Sri Lanka), Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 9 - 11 June 2009. 25p.
Climate ; Rain ; Climate change ; Adaptation ; Water resources ; Energy ; Air temperature ; Agricultural production ; Coconuts ; Rice ; Crops ; Diversification ; Research priorities / Sri Lanka
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H042329)
(0.39 MB)
Climate is changing world wide, and the science community in Sri Lanka have come up with ample evidence to suggest that the country’s climate has already changed. During 1961- 1990 it’s mean air temperature has increased by 0.016 0C per year (higher than the global average of 0.013 0C), and mean annual rainfall- decreased by 144 mm (7%) compared to the period 1931-1960. In addition, mean annual daytime maximum and mean annual night-time minimum air temperatures increased. However, the bigger question of national importance is what Sri Lanka’s climate will look like in 50 or 100 years and how prepared is the country to face it. Apart from the IPCC projections at the coarse global scale, few studies attempted to project future climate scenarios for Sri Lanka and to identify climate change impacts on agriculture, water resources, the sea level, the plantation sector, the economy and health. Vulnerability and adaptation to climate change are the least studied areas. The paper reviews the status of climate change research/activities in Sri Lanka with respect to future climate predictions, impacts, mitigation and adaptation, and identifies existing knowledge gaps. Messages emerging from this review suggest that Sri Lanka’s mean temperature during the North-East (December-February) and South-West (May-September) monsoon seasons will increase by about 2.9 0C and 2.5 0C respectively, over the baseline (1961-1990), by the year 2100 with accompanying changes in the quantity and spatial distribution of rainfall. Extreme climate events are expected to increase in frequency. These changes will bring about widespread impacts on the country’s agriculture and economy. For example, a 0.5 0C increase in temperature can reduce rice yield by approximately 5.9%; extended dry spells and excessive cloudiness during the wet season can reduce coconut yield so that annual losses can range between $32 and $73 million. Pilot studies in the Galle District suggest that sea level rise could inundate about 20% of the land area of coastal district secretariat divisions. Adaptation measures already undertaken in the agricultural sector include development of low water consuming rice varieties and use of micro-irrigation technologies. Tools have been developed for predicting seasonal water availability within the Mahaweli Scheme and for predicting annual national coconut production. However, Sri Lanka is yet to undertake a comprehensive national study on the vulnerability of its water resources and agriculture to climate change. Formulation of detailed and reliable future climate scenarios for the country is and urgent need in this regard.
6 Parry, M.; Arnell, N.; Berry, P.; Dodman, D.; Fankhauser, S.; Hope, C.; Kovats, S.; Nicholls, R.; Satterthwaite, D; Tiffin, R.; Wheeler, T. 2009. Assessing the costs of adaptation to climate change: a review of the UNFCCC and other recent estimates. London, UK: International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED); London, UK: Imperial College London, Grantham Institute for Climate Change. 111p.
Climate change ; Adaptation ; Costs ; Estimation ; Case studies ; Assessment ; Agriculture ; Forestry ; Fisheries ; Water resource management ; Water supply ; Irrigation water ; Public health ; Coastal area ; Infrastructure ; Ecosystems ; Disasters / Tuvalu / UK / Africa / Mexico / Eritrea / Philippines
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H034814)
(1.95 MB)
This report takes another look at the costs of adapting to climate change. The estimates for 2030 used by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change are likely to be substantial under-estimates. Professor Martin Parry and his co-authors look at the estimates from a range of perspectives, and conclude that: the current cost assessments do not include some key sectors, such as ecosystems, energy, manufacturing, retailing, and tourism; some of the sectors included have been only partially covered in cost estimates; the additional costs of adaptation have sometimes been calculated as ‘climate mark-ups’ against low levels of assumed investment. In some parts of the world, low levels of investment have led to an adaptation deficit, and this deficit will need to be made good by full funding of development, without which the funding for adaptation will be insufficient. Residual damages also need to be evaluated and reported because not all damages from climate change can be avoided. There is an urgent need for more detailed assessments of these costs, including case studies of costs of adaptation in specific places and sectors. This report aims to demonstrate the need for the further and transparent refinement of cost estimates for responding to climate change.
7 Schipper, E. L. F.; Burton, I. (Eds.) 2009. The Earthscan reader on adaptation to climate change. London, UK: Earthscan. 459p.
Climate change ; Environmental effects ; Adaptation ; Policy ; Investment ; Costs ; Risk management ; Natural disasters
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: 304.25 G000 SCH Record No: H042492)
(0.66 MB)
8 World Bank. 2009. Convenient solutions to an inconvenient truth: ecosystem based approaches to climate change. Washington, DC, USA: World Bank, Environment Department. 91p. (World Bank Report 49313)
Climate change ; Ecosystems ; Adaptation ; Biodiversity ; Case studies ; Afforestation ; Wetlands ; Grasslands ; Coral reefs ; Biofuels ; Land management ; Water management
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H042531)
http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2009/07/08/000333037_20090708013334/Rendered/PDF/493130ESW0whit10Box338946B01PUBLIC1.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H042531.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H042531.pdf
(2.34 MB)
The World Bank's mission is to alleviate poverty and support sustainable development. Climate change is a serious environmental challenge that could undermine these goals. Since the industrial revolution, the mean surface temperature of earth has increased an average 2 degree Celsius due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Most of this change has occurred in the past 30 to 40 years, and the rate of increase is accelerating. These rising temperatures will have significant impacts at a global scale and at local and regional levels. While it remains important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reverse climate change in the long run, many of the impacts of climate change are already in evidence. As a result, governments, communities, and civil society are increasingly concerned with anticipating the future effects of climate change while searching for strategies to mitigate, and adapt to, its current and future effects. Global warming and changes in climate have already had observed impacts on natural ecosystems and species. Natural systems such as wetlands, mangroves, coral reefs, cloud forests, arctic and high latitude ecosystems are especially vulnerable to climate-induced disturbances. Current efforts to address climate change focus mainly on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, mainly through cleaner energy strategies, and on attempting to reduce vulnerability of communities at risk by improving infrastructure to meet new energy and water needs. This report attempts to set out a compelling argument for including ecosystem-based approaches to mitigation and adaptation as a third and essential pillar in national strategies to address climate change. The report is targeted at both Bank task teams and country clients. Such ecosystem-based strategies can offer cost-effective, proven and sustainable solutions contributing to, and complementing, other national and regional adaptation strategies.
9 Robin, M.; Andrew, N. (Eds.) 2008. Social dimensions of climate change: workshop report 2008. Washington, DC, USA: World Bank. 124p. (World Bank Report 51282)
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H042533)
http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2009/10/27/000334955_20091027033758/Rendered/PDF/512820WP0Socia10Box342020B01PUBLIC1.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H042533.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H042533.pdf
(4.03 MB)
In March 2008, the World Bank convened an international workshop on the social dimensions of climate change, which brought together government representatives, leaders of indigenous peoples, non-government organization (NGO) representatives and academia. The main aim of the workshop was to identify and discuss impacts of climate change through a social lens, including potential negative impacts of the emerging climate policy architecture. Building on the platform created by the workshop, efforts are now being made to galvanize an international peer-learning network to take this agenda forward through advocacy, policy analysis and operational work. This workshop report is structured as follows. The report highlights the key messages emerging from the workshop, and attempts to synthesize the wide-ranging and thought-provoking discussions that took place. This is followed by a discussion of future directions and challenges. The report then presents summaries of the papers and keynote addresses. Brief biographies of the speakers, a full list of participants, the workshop agenda, and suggested resources, are included in annexes.
10 Wamsler, C. 2009. Urban risk reduction and adaptation: how to promote resilient communities and adapt to increasing disasters and changing climatic conditions? Saarbrucken, Germany: VDM Verlag Dr Muller. 187p.
Climate change ; Disasters ; Adaptation ; Risk management ; Urban development ; Development plans ; Settlement ; Poverty ; Research methods ; Data collection
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: 304.25 G000 WAM Record No: H042541)
(4.92 MB)
11 Wamsler, C. 2009. Urban risk reduction and adaptation: how to promote resilient communities and adapt to increasing disasters and changing climatic conditions? Saarbrucken, Germany: VDM Verlag Dr Muller. 187p.
Climate change ; Disasters ; Adaptation ; Risk management ; Urban development ; Development plans ; Settlement ; Poverty ; Research methods ; Data collection
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: 304.25 G000 WAM c2 Record No: H042542)
12 UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme. 2009. Climate change and water: an overview from the world water development report 3: water in a changing world. Perugia, Italy: United Nations World Water Assessment Programme. 23p. (United Nations World Water Assessment Programme Special Report)
Climate change ; Adaptation ; Costs ; Hydrological cycle ; Water governance ; Financing ; Water resource management ; Agriculture ; Investment ; Policy
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H042545)
(2.73 MB)
Climate change has undeniable impacts on water. It has and will continue to impact the water cycle in direct and indirect ways: by affecting precipitations and evaporation cycles, as well as by changing patterns of consumption. In turn, evolving consumption patterns and economic development will increase demands on water supply. Climate change is experienced most directly through its impacts on water availability. Some countries are already experiencing serious water shortages or are reaching the limits of their water resources. The effects of climate change are likely to aggravate this situation even further. Water-related vulnerabilities occur through multiple, mutually-reinforcing linkages: food, health and energy, in addition to physical and economic vulnerabilities. For many countries, especially developing countries, water availability and management are already at the root of a complex vulnerability dynamic and challenges are likely to increase with climate change, thereby having an undeniable effect on development progress and achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Least developed countries are the most vulnerable, as their present water resource management technologies and capacities are inadequate and insufficient. It is vital that responses to climate change must focus on water. Addressing water resource management is recognized as a priority, and is an inescapable part of reducing vulnerability and promoting adaptation to climate change. A balance between mitigation and adaptation strategies has to be established at policy and programme levels so that ‘win-win’ solutions can be realized. Competition for water is intensifying: between countries, urban and rural areas, or different sectors of activity. This could make water an increasingly politicized issue. Holistic and multisectoral approaches have to be taken when developing adaptation strategies. Agriculture, as the sector requiring the largest percentage of water resources, is a primary area for development of adaptation strategies. There exist a variety of ‘no-regrets’ solutions that will help address current and possible future water-related vulnerability and generate multiple development benefits, regardless of climate scenarios. Proactive adaptation requires enabling policy conditions at all levels: At national levels, water governance must be expanded to, and integrated with, non-water sectors; access to technology, science and information should be increased for sound planning; and development efforts need to be checked for what could be maladaptations with regards to water. At regional levels, collaborative water management for shared surface and groundwater should be emphasized. There exist numerous models for sharing water that provide equity, as well as rational management. At the international and global level, financing for water-related investments should be increased, including for infrastructure, technology.
13 Jacobi, J.; Drescher, A. W.; Amerasinghe, Priyanie H. 2009. Crop diversity as a livelihood strategy?: the case of wastewater irrigated vegetable cultivation along the Musi River in periurban Hyderabad, India. [Abstract only]. In Tielkes, E. (Ed.). Biophysical and socio-economic frame conditions for the sustainable management of natural resources. Book of abstracts. International Research on Food Security, Natural Resource Management and Rural Development, Tropentag Congress, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany, 6-8 October 2009. Witzenhausen, Germany: German Institute for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics. pp.111.
Wastewater irrigation ; Rivers ; Urban agriculture ; Vegetable growing ; Adaptation / India / Hyderabad / Musi River
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H042559)
(0.06 MB)
Along the Musi River in periurban Hyderabad, leafy vegetables are increasingly grown and sold in urban markets. Wide areas are irrigated with river water, highly polluted by sewage and industrial wastewater. Previous studies showed that periurban agriculture in Hyderabad plays an important role for the livelihoods of a diverse group of people, many of whom are women, from different castes, religions and social classes. During a field study in 2007 (in cooperation with the International Water Management Institute and the University of Freiburg, Germany), a rapid appraisal of vegetables cultivated with wastewater irrigation was carried out. In order to estimate the risk from pathogens for consumers, the percentage of vegetables consumed raw was calculated. A large number of vegetable varieties were found in the vegetable gardens, also in those where wastewater was used for irrigation, contrary to expectations. The leafy vegetables - traditionally in high demand - have a short growing season and fetch high market prices due to their usage in traditional dishes. In 2008, the study was extended to explore the role of agricultural biodiversity for livelihoods and building resilience using the sustainable livelihoods approach as theoretical background. 54 varieties of vegetables from 20 families were identified. Among those, 18 were cultivated for the leaves most of which were usually cooked. There was no significant difference in biodiversity (Shannon-Index and Simpson-Index were calculated) between wastewater and groundwater irrigated fields, but a significant difference in the species composition (almost 95% leafy vegetables where wastewater was used, around 70% fruit bearing vegetables where groundwater was used for irrigation) for several reasons such as insecure land tenure, water and soil quality, risk mitigation and market demand. Previous studies show that the use of wastewater for irrigation can have both positive and negative effects on agriculture. Besides possible health risks, fertiliser costs could be saved due to the high nutrient content of the wastewater. Agricultural Biodiversity is thus not necessarily diminished by the use of wastewater and can contribute in many ways to resilience, some of which are analysed and discussed in the study.
14 Keatinge, J. D. H.; Waliyar, F.; Jamnadas, R. H.; Moustafa, A.; Andrade, M.; Drechsel, Pay; Hughes, J. d’A.; Kardirvel, P.; Luther, K. 2010. Relearning old lessons for the future of food - by bread alone no longer: diversifying diets with fruit and vegetables. Crop Science, 50:S-51-S-62. [doi: https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2009.09.0528]
Malnutrition ; Human nutrition ; Diets ; Vegetables ; Fruits ; Pest management ; Cropping systems ; Climate ; Adaptation ; Marketing ; Pollutants ; Health hazards
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H042650)
http://crop.scijournals.org/cgi/reprint/50/Supplement_1/S-51
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H042650.mht
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H042650.mht
(0.86 MB)
Diversifying diets and agricultural enterprises with fruit and vegetables is a potent weapon in the current global battle against malnutrition and poverty. Agricultural science can contribute substantially to enhance the development prospects and health of not only disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals at one end of the spectrum but also the growth and equity of national economies at the other. Moreover, with relatively simple applied research, new crop species and technologies can rapidly enter the development pathway to benefit even the poorest people or nations. More upstream research can help to guard fruit and vegetable production against the vagaries of potential climatic uncertainty, which is projected to become more prominent over future decades. However, historical and continuing widespread underinvestment in fruit and vegetable research and development from the national to the global level may severely compromise the world’s ability to use such highvalue species for crop diversification and as a major engine of development growth to ensure global food and nutritional security.
15 Moorhead, A. 2009. Climate, agriculture and food security: a strategy for change. [Vladimir Smakhtin of IWMI is one of the contributors]. [no place of publication]: Alliance of the CGIAR Centers. 45p.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: 338.1 G000 MOO Record No: H042812)
(1.66 MB)
Many millions of people in developing countries face a very real and direct threat to their food security and livelihoods as climate change unfolds. Yet we have at our disposal a wealth of knowledge that, if turned into action, would allow these same people to build resilient livelihoods and prosper in spite of variable and uncertain weather. This publication describes the work of the centres of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and their partners that comprises this bank of knowledge, and urges decision makers to take the steps needed to put this research into action. It also presents a new initiative – the Challenge Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security – which combines the expertise of the CGIAR with that of the Earth System Science Partnership, and which will open up new frontiers in the search for solutions for agriculture as the climate changes.
16 Moorhead, A. 2009. Climate, agriculture and food security: a strategy for change. [Vladimir Smakhtin of IWMI is one of the contributors]. [no place of publication]: Alliance of the CGIAR Centers. 45p.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: 338.1 G000 MOO c2 Record No: H042813)
Many millions of people in developing countries face a very real and direct threat to their food security and livelihoods as climate change unfolds. Yet we have at our disposal a wealth of knowledge that, if turned into action, would allow these same people to build resilient livelihoods and prosper in spite of variable and uncertain weather. This publication describes the work of the centres of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and their partners that comprises this bank of knowledge, and urges decision makers to take the steps needed to put this research into action. It also presents a new initiative – the Challenge Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security – which combines the expertise of the CGIAR with that of the Earth System Science Partnership, and which will open up new frontiers in the search for solutions for agriculture as the climate changes.
17 Eriyagama, Nishadi. 2010. Climate change impacts on water resources and agriculture in Sri Lanka: a review and preliminary vulnerability mapping. Contribution to the Asia Pacific Regional Human Development Network e-discussion on Human Development and Climate Change, 24 March 2010. 4p.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H042872)
http://www2.undprcc.lk/ext/HDRU/files/climet_change/drr/Nishadi_Eriyagama_contribution_SubTheme3_24March2010.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H042872.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H042872.pdf
(0.10 MB)
Nishadi Eriyagama highlights a number of important results on climate change in Sri Lanka based on a recent study by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), including the identification of the country’s agricultural vulnerability hotspots and existing knowledge gaps. A pilot level Climate Change Vulnerability Index consisting of three sub-indices (Exposure; Sensitivity; and Adaptive Capacity) was developed and mapped at district scale. Various “smart investments” and “no regrets” adaptation options in the water sector that “simultaneously deliver climate resilience and address current development needs” are being considered. These include rainwater harvesting in drought prone areas; restoration of the ancient tank system; development of sustainable groundwater; promotion and adoption of microirrigation technologies; wastewater reuse; increasing water use efficiency; and change of allocation practices, as well as research on crop adaptation (e.g., rice; field crops; horticultural crops; tea; rubber and coconut). Sea-level rise is also being considered. However, “a comprehensive national study on river basin or district scale on vulnerability of Sri Lanka’s water resources and agriculture sectors to climate change”, using reliable methodologies and tools, is “urgently needed” for better “strategic” adaptation planning. She stresses the importance of “creating awareness among different stakeholders on vulnerabilities, impacts and adaptation options”, as well as encouraging “farmers to take individual or communal action to prepare for climate change.”
18 Celio, M.; Scott, C. A.; Giordano, Mark. 2009. Urban–agricultural water appropriation: the Hyderabad, India case. Geographical Journal, 176(1):39-57. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-4959.2009.00336.x]
Urban agriculture ; Water demand ; Adaptation ; Water allocation ; Water supply ; Rivers ; Water balance ; Reservoirs ; Irrigation water / India / Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad / Manjira River / Krishna River / Nizamsagar Reservoir
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H042873)
(0.55 MB)
With the urbanisation drive comes steady growth in urban water demand. Although in the past this new demand could often be met by tapping unclaimed water sources, this option is increasingly untenable in many regions where little if any unclaimed water remains. The result is that urban water capture, and the appropriation of associated physical and institutional infrastructure, now often implies conflict with other existing uses and users. While the urbanisation process has been studied in great depth, the processes and, critically, impacts of urban water capture and appropriation are not well researched or understood. This paper undertakes a critical examination of the specific case of Hyderabad, one of India's fastest growing cities, to shed light more generally on the process of water capture by cities and the resultant impacts on pre-existing claims, particularly agriculture. It does this by examining the history and institutional response to Hyderabad's urban-rural water contest; how the results of that contest are reflected in surface and groundwater hydrology; and the eventual impacts on agriculture. The findings show that the magnitude, and sometimes even direction, of impact from urban water transfer vary in space and time and depend on location-specific rainfall patterns, the nature of existing water infrastructure and institutions, and farmers' adaptive capacities and options, notably recourse to groundwater. Broader consideration of the specific findings provides insights into policy mechanisms to reduce the possible negative impacts from the global, and seemingly inexorable, flow of water to the world's growing cities.
19 Evans, Alexandra. 2010. An overview: water quality, environment and climate change. In Evans, Alexandra; Jinapala, K. (Eds). Proceedings of the National Conference on Water, Food Security and Climate Change in Sri Lanka, BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 9-11 June 2009. Vol. 2. Water quality, environment and climate change. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). pp.vii-xi.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI 631.7 G744 EVA Record No: H042853)
20 Eriyagama, Nishadi; Smakhtin, Vladimir. 2010. Observed and projected climatic changes, their impacts and adaptation options for Sri Lanka: a review. In Evans, Alexandra; Jinapala, K. (Eds). Proceedings of the National Conference on Water, Food Security and Climate Change in Sri Lanka, BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 9-11 June 2009. Vol. 2. Water quality, environment and climate change. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). pp.99-117.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI 631.7 G744 EVA Record No: H042863)
Climate is changing world-wide, and the science community in Sri Lanka has come up with ample evidence to suggest that the country’s climate has already changed. During 1961-1990 the country’s mean air temperature increased by 0.016 0C per year, and the mean annual rainfall decreased by 144 mm (7 %) compared to the period 1931-1960. In addition, mean annual daytime maximum and mean annual night-time minimum air temperatures increased. However, the bigger question of national importance is what Sri Lanka’s climate will look like in 50 or 100 years and how prepared is the country to face it. Apart from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projections at the coarse global scale, few studies have attempted to project future climate scenarios for Sri Lanka and to identify climate change impacts on agriculture, water resources, the sea level, the plantation sector, the economy and health. Vulnerability and adaptation to climate change are the least studied areas. This paper reviews the status of climate change research and activities in Sri Lanka with respect to future climate projections, impacts, climate change mitigation and the country’s ability to adapt, and identifies existing knowledge gaps. Messages emerging from this review suggest that Sri Lanka’s mean temperature during the North-East (December-February) and South-West (May-September) monsoon seasons will increase by about 2.9 0C and 2.5 0C, respectively, over the baseline (1961-1990), by the year 2100 with accompanying changes in the quantity and spatial distribution of rainfall. Extreme climate events are expected to increase in frequency. These changes will bring about widespread impacts on the country’s agriculture and economy For example, an increase of 0.5 0C in temperature can reduce rice yield by approximately 6%; extended dry spells and excessive cloudiness during the wet season can reduce coconut yield resulting in annual losses between $32 and $73 million to the economy. Pilot studies in the Galle District suggest that sea level rise could inundate about 20 % of the land area of Galle’s coastal District Secretariat Divisions. Adaptation measures already undertaken in the agriculture sector include the development of low water consuming rice varieties and the use of micro-irrigation technologies. Tools have been developed for predicting seasonal water availability within the Mahaweli Scheme and annual national coconut production. However, Sri Lanka is yet to undertake a comprehensive national study on the vulnerability of her water resources and agriculture to climate change. The formulation of detailed and reliable future climate scenarios for the country is therefore, urgently required.
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