| Abstract | In many parts of the world, freshwater resources are coming under stress due to increasing population, economic development activities and construction of dams and reservoirs to meet various societal needs. Alteration of natural river flow regimes due to the influence of anthropogenic activities has serious implications for aquatic, riparian, and wetland ecosystems. These pressures and activities are increasing overtime and therefore it is important to ensure river sustainability, integrity of associated ecosystems, and the well-being of humans who depend on the river for their livelihoods. These targets can be achieved by maintaining sufficient flows in the river during low flow periods so that the river can continue to provide all of its services. Freshwater resources are not only under stress due to the above mentioned pressures, they have also become susceptible to climate change. This is an emerging threat, which has drawn considerable attention from around the world and is also the main topic of this report. Among several impacts of climate change on low and high flow characteristics and seasonal water availabilities, it may also impact stream water temperatures and chemistry, as well as oxygen and nutrient contents of streams during low flow periods. Thus, the physical habitat of streams is also at risk due to future climate change. |
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