In general, it is recognised that global climate change will intensify the water crisis. Global warming intensifies the water cycle and exacerbates the water problems on our planet. In humid regions the precipitation increases and in arid and semi-arid regions the precipitation is decreasing.

Climate change will have many impacts on human and natural systems. For instance, studies have considered the impacts of climate change on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, energy consumption, and the spread and occurrence of diseases.

Here are some examples of the changes which may occur due to climate change. The economic, social and other impacts on human beings are purposefully blended together with impacts on ecosystems to reinforce the fact that they are not independent of each other.

Waterborne diseases are caused by pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa) spread through contaminated drinking water or recreational water.

Climate change could cause an increase in the incidence of water-borne illnesses in a number of ways. Most of the viruses, bacteria and protozoa that cause water-borne diseases thrive in warm water and weather. Therefore, increased water and air temperatures could stimulate the growth of harmful pathogens. In addition, increased rainfall events can lead to these pathogens being deposited in water, thereby leading to contamination.