Thirteenth International Conference on Climate Change: Impacts & Responses

Abstract

Eutrophication, as a result of heavy rainfall, pollutes water resources by creating mineral and waste deposits into lakes, rivers, and local waterways through non-point source agricultural run-off in rural settings and poor waste-water management in more urban/industrial settings. As climate change exacerbates the amount of rainfall, rural and urban-poor water resources are being degraded at alarming rates, endangering the health of millions who depended on eutrophicated water sources for their everyday water supply. This study builds on the affirmed notion that eutrophication, both from agricultural run-off and from waste-water mismanagement is amplified by climate change, and thus is increasingly threatening to the health and well-being of rural and poor populations who rely on the affected water sources. This study examines the water management policies and systems adopted by vulnerable communities in five countries with both low and high income country status, to understand what the global reaction to this issue has been and develop a recommendation on pathways that can be effective in curbing this issue globally. Through meta-analysis of environmental and health indicators from national data resources, this study analyzes the impact of policy, or the lack of it. Overall, we found that community-driven solutions were always most impactful, compared to government mandated policy that did not emphasize community engagement. This can be attributed to a heavy emphasis on public education efforts, as well as commitment to creating equitable changes that prioritize the wellbeing of the population in tandem with ecological conservation.