Storm Warning: Water and Climate Security in a Changing World

by Robert William Sandford

Human beings and industrial-based society are changing the composition of our planet's atmosphere and causing it to warm at an unnatural and oftentimes astonishing rate. Much of that warmth is being absorbed by water which is causing an acceleration in the rate and manner in which water moves through the global hydrological cycle. A warmer atmosphere carries more water vapor which means as temperatures continue to rise storms will be more intense, last longer and cause more damage to our towns, cities and vital infrastructure.

On the other side of the hydro-climate coin, we can also expect deeper, more persistent and damaging droughts throughout the world resulting in dramatic losses, difficult economic outcomes and fundamental alterations to landscape.

This highly considered, accessible and readable book explains how changes in the water cycle have already begun to affect how we think about and value water security and climate stability and what we can do to ensure a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published November 10, 2015

About the author

Bob Sandford is the author or editor of over 35 books on the history and heritage of the Canadian West. He began his work with UN-linked initiatives as chair of the United Nations International Year of Mountains in 2002. He also chaired the United Nations International Year of Fresh Water and Wonder of Water Initiative in Canada in 2003–04. These celebrations focused on the growing importance of water to ecological and cultural heritage in Canada.

Reviews

[Liz Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandford explores many of the changes that Canada needs to make if we are to be prepared for the increasing changes to the climate. Emphasizes the need to start monitoring and managing our water systems if we are to avoid severe water shortages and floods in the near future. Lots of interesting information from many sources. Somewhat repetitive as he summarizes many of the conferences regarding climate change and its consequences. Should be mandatory reading for politicians and citizens.

[Jcphene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read pages 73-75 if you are still unsure whether our climate is changing or can change. This book reviews water supply and molecule flows in the Mackenzie, Arctic, Western Canada, Columbia River, Rockies and other areas and argues for the need for cross-jurisdictional long term basin/watershed centred water management plans. We were brought up to believe that Canada has unlimitied free supplies of clean well understood and managed potable water for all. Sanford shows this is no longer so as natural snow and ice reservoirs of water sublimate and start to move through the air with increasing temperature, hard to believe but true.