Looking beyond glaciers to understand mountain water security

Drenkhan F.; Buytaert W.; Mackay J.D.; Barrand N.E.; Hannah D.M.; Huggel C. · Nature Sustainability (2023) · DOI: 10.1038/s41893-022-00996-4

Resumen

Changes in the mountain cryosphere impact the water security of downstream societies and the resilience of water-dependent ecosystems and their services. However, assessing mountain water security requires better understanding of the complex interaction between glacial meltwater and coupled human–natural systems. In this context, we call for a refocusing from glacio-hydrological monitoring and modelling to a more integrated social-ecological perspective of the wider catchment hydrology. This shift requires locally relevant knowledge-production strategies and the integration of such knowledge into a collaborative science–policy–community framework. This approach, combined with hydrological risk assessment, can support the development of robust, locally tailored and transformational adaptation strategies.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú