Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering these questions.
Resilience to the uncertainties of climate change in the water sector depends on the sustainable use of water. Give four examples of methods for improving efficiency in water use, choosing one example from each of the following: agriculture, domestic supply, industrial use and water management.
Show answer
Examples of methods for improving efficiency of water use you may have chosen include:
- From agriculture: drip-feed irrigation; growing drought-resistant crops.
- From domestic supply: prompt repair of water pipes to reduce leakage; using less water at home; using rainwater where appropriate.
- From industry: reusing water in manufacturing processes where appropriate.
- From water management: adopting more flexible approaches; integrated catchment management
Which of the following statements is false? Explain why it is incorrect.
- Urban resilience plans should prioritise poor and vulnerable people who are less able to protect themselves.
- Cities should share information about their experiences of climate change so they can learn from each other.
- The best people to prepare urban resilience plans are international experts in climate change because they can accurately predict future changes in weather patterns.
Show answer
3 is false. International experts in climate change may have a part to play in developing resilience plans but local people need to be involved in the process. They have essential knowledge and experience of the particular situation in the location where they live. It is also not necessarily true that the international experts can accurately predict the future. There is always some degree of uncertainty in climate change predictions.