Australia is the driest inhabited continent on Earth.

By altering precipitation patterns, increasing greenhouse gas emissions are causing more extreme weather events such as droughts and floods and exacerbating already dire water insecurity which in turn compromises food security.

Addressing the Climate Crisis addresses the Water Crisis which is critical for food security and sustainable development.

Please find below resources where you can learn more water’s complex role in ensuring healthy ecosystems and about inspiring work underway.

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CSIRO – conducts research and planning for sea level rise, including increased flooding of low-lying coastal, including tidal, coastal erosion, loss of beaches, and higher storm surges as a result of excess greenhouse gas in the Earth’s atmosphere.

National Geographic World Water Map: Mind the Water Gap – led by Marc Bierkens and based on a global model developed at Utrecht University, the National Geographic’s World Water Map shows where and why water gaps arise, how the Climate Crisis is exacerbating them, and conservation efforts to address the complex problems associated with water use.

Water.org – co-founded by Matt Damon, provides innovative solutions to the world water crisis including the micro-finance program WaterCredit. Water micro-loans allow borrowers to improve their access to clean water and then repay the money so it can be redeployed to other communities. With large-scale practical solutions, more than 51 million people around the world can turn on a tap or safely use a toilet.

Water Footprint Calculator – information on the hidden water in everyday products and practical ways to reduce waste.

Water Footprint Network – provides guidance on ‘fair and smart use’ of the world’s scare water reserves, including addressing the impact of the Climate Crisis on prescious water resources.

Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists – including rivers, lakes, wetlands, floodplains and dams across all five states and territories in south-east Australia – covering an area the size of France and Germany combined – the critically threatened Murray Darling Basin is the largest system of waterways in Australia. Along with other critical climate and environment issues, the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists – an independent group of scientists and professionals, working to secure the long-term health of Australia’s land, water and biodiversity – is producing excellent information.

World Water Council  – with a focus on the political dimensions of water security, adaptation and sustainability, the World Water Council is an international organisation that provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation while promoting awareness and action on water conservation issues.