A Review on Climate Change Impacts on Freshwater Systems and Ecosystem Resilience

Abstract

Climate change is fundamentally transforming global water systems, affecting the availability, quality, and ecological dynamics of water resources. This review synthesizes current scientific understanding of climate change impacts on hydrological systems, with a focus on freshwater ecosystems, and regional water availability. Rising global temperatures are disrupting thermal regimes in rivers, lakes, and ponds; intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events; and altering precipitation and snowmelt patterns. These changes place mounting stress on aquatic ecosystems, threaten water security, and challenge conventional water management practices. The paper also identifies key vulnerabilities across diverse geographic regions and evaluates adaptation strategies such as integrated water resource management (IWRM), the water, energy and food (WEF) nexus, ecosystem-based approaches (EbA), the role of advanced technology and infrastructure enhancements. By adopting these strategies, stakeholders can strengthen the resilience of water systems and safeguard critical resources for both ecosystems and human well-being.