(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Nazrin Abdul
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The global community is currently confronted with significant
challenges, with climate change emerging as one of the most
pressing issues. This phenomenon directly affects human life;
however, its impacts often accumulate over time, leading to a lack
of immediate attention from individuals. The potential consequences
are severe, highlighting the necessity for societies to increase
their awareness and unite in addressing climate change as a global
concern.
In this context, numerous large-scale events and conferences are
being organized internationally. The UN COP29 conference - the most
prominent of these will commence on November 11 in Baku, the
capital of Azerbaijan. This conference, which will run until
November 22, aims to convene representatives from countries around
the world, along with stakeholders invested in climate issues, to
collaboratively discuss and explore viable solutions.
It should be noted that Azerbaijan's hosting of the COP
conference, one of the largest events of the UN, was unanimously
approved at the COP28 event held in Dubai last year. The growing
influence of Azerbaijan on the global stage has transformed the
country into a hub for discussing humanitarian initiatives. Since
this event will cover a wide range of topics, several
initiatives-specifically, 14 initiatives-have been proposed by the
COP29 presidency. One of these initiatives focuses on the role of
water systems in climate change. The initiative is specifically
titled: "Baku Dialogue on Water and Climate: Strengthening Action
on Climate Change and the Water System."
The Baku Dialogue on Water and Climate will convene
representatives from governments, UN organizations, academia, and
the private sector to collaborate on adapting to water-related
climate changes in alignment with the Global Adaptation Target.
What role do water systems play in the context of
climate change, and how are these concepts
interrelated?
Water systems are integral to both the mitigation and adaptation
efforts regarding climate change. A comprehensive understanding of
the relationship between water systems and climate change requires
an examination of their functions and management strategies,
enabling effective responses to climate challenges.
Water as a climate regulator
Natural Climate Regulation: Water bodies, such as oceans, lakes,
rivers, and wetlands, help regulate local climates by moderating
temperatures and influencing precipitation patterns. Healthy
ecosystems can absorb carbon dioxide, contributing to climate
stabilization. The oceans absorb a significant amount of solar
energy, which leads to the continuous evaporation of water. This
process not only increases humidity but also raises air
temperatures, contributing to the formation of clouds, rain, and
storms. These weather systems are then transported over long
distances by trade winds, influencing climates around the globe. By
redistributing heat, ocean currents counteract the uneven
distribution of solar energy across the Earth's surface. Without
these currents, regional temperatures could reach extremes, with
unbearable heat at the equator and severe cold at the poles. This
moderation is essential for maintaining a stable and habitable
climate.
Water systems facilitate evapotranspiration, a process that
releases moisture into the atmosphere, influencing weather patterns
and local climates.
Sustainable water management
It should be noted that the Minister of Ecology and Natural
Resources of Azerbaijan and COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar
Babayev stated in his speech on water systems and climate change
during the Baku Climate Action Week that, in order to adapt to the
changing climate, we must build sustainable food and water
systems.
He highlighted that this year has provided many examples of the
destructive effects of climate change on water and agriculture, and
warned that if no measures are taken, these destructive effects
will become the norm worldwide.
“Climate change is estimated to cause severe droughts to occur
up to 100 times sooner. A 2-degree rise in global temperature is
predicted to push an additional 200 million people into hunger.
Tensions over water and agricultural systems will become
increasingly difficult. Therefore, we need to build sustainable
food and water systems to adapt to a changing climate. This
requires more funding, research, and the implementation of new
systems."
Efficient water management is crucial for ensuring agricultural
sustainability amid changing climate patterns. Effective irrigation
techniques, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, play
a vital role in conserving water, promoting plant health, and
enhancing crop yields adopting these practices globally, we can
foster a more sustainable and secure food supply for the
future.
As the global community grapples with the urgent challenges
posed by climate change, the upcoming COP29 conference in Baku
serves as a pivotal platform for collaboration. With Azerbaijan's
emerging role as a key player in international climate discussions,
this conference will focus on critical initiatives, including the
"Baku Dialogue on Water and Climate." By emphasizing the importance
of water systems in mitigating and adapting to climate change,
stakeholders will explore sustainable management strategies that
are essential for fostering resilience in both agriculture and
ecosystems. The need for urgent action and increased funding for
innovative solutions has never been more pressing, as the
consequences of inaction threaten to escalate globally. Through
collective efforts, we can strive towards a sustainable future that
addresses both climate and water challenges.
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