Climate justice and the impacts and implications of climate change on water resources
2012
Funded by: Climate Change Adaptation in Africa (CCAA), a joint initiative of Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development.
Lead Investigator: Patricia Ellie Perkins
Water resources management is one of the most important climate change-related issues on international, national and urban public policy agendas. Income inequality in South Africa, Mozambique, and Kenya is among the largest in the world. In all three countries, equity struggles related to water are growing in social, political and ecological significance, which is both a symptom and a cause of urban vulnerabilities related to climate change. Democratic mediation of these conflicts, and sustainable long-term management of water resources in the face of climate change, requires public participation. But those most affected by water issues, such as scarcity and flooding, are also those least likely to be able to participate in governance and policy institutions. In particular, members of economically disadvantaged groups, especially women, tend to be gravely impacted by poor water management, but also face great difficulties in participating effectively in governance bodies. This project responds to that particular need by developing practical strategies for strengthening urban governments in planning investments in climate change adaptation.
Visit the Climate Justice and Water Management website for more information.
Publications
- Leary, A. L. and Perkins, E; 2012. “International synergies to address climate change: participatory community organizing in Toronto and the Baixada Fluminense, Brazil”
- Figueiredo, P. and Perkins, E; 2012. “Women and water management in times of climate change: participatory and inclusive processes”
