JOURNAL OF YANGTZE RIVER SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTI ›› 2013, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (6): 9-13.DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5485.2013.06.003

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Discussion on Transboundary Water Agreements Under Climatic Stress

FU Heng-yang1, PAN Hong-xia2   

  1. 1.School of Earth Sciences and Resources, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China; 2. School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
  • Received:2013-06-04 Revised:2013-06-04 Online:2013-06-04 Published:2013-06-04

Abstract:

Global climate change undoubtedly affects the inflow process and supply process of rivers, changes river water quality, water quantity and water system operation, and complicates the sustainable management of transboundary water. However, most of the transboundary water agreements lack important measures to deal with climate challenge and sufficient consideration on the changing social, economic and climatic conditions. Sharing transboundary water leads to conflict between two or more countries, but it also can be a source of cooperation and negotiation. So, sharing climate challenges can be a platform for developing new methods for future transboundary water management. Although there are political and social differences and conflicts of interest among the countries, it is extremely necessary and entirely possible to develop flexible and effective transboundary water agreements. The strategies include ①flexible water allocation strategies ②precise data and information exchange ③comprehensive water quality management ④strategies of response to extreme events ⑤amendment to the original transboundary water agreements ⑥establishment and improvement of joint management institutions.

Key words: climate change, transboundary water, international agreements, water allocation, water quality

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