Measuring water security: A vital step for climate change adaptation

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Water Resource Management

Background:

• Climate change impacts are primarily felt through water systems.
• Enhancing water security is crucial for climate change adaptation strategies.
• Measuring water security is a prerequisite for effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a practical, city-scale water security assessment framework.
• To create a mechanism for evaluating water security enhancement actions.
• To foster internal assessment for progressive improvement in water security.

Main Methods:

• Developed an indicator-based methodology for water security assessment.
• Structured the framework in three layers: dimensions, indicators, and variables.
• Created a Water Security Index (WSI) on a scale of 1 to 5.

Main Results:

• Successfully applied the framework to assess Bangkok's water security.
• Demonstrated the framework's utility for operationalizing water security enhancement.
• The framework allows for context-specific variable selection.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework provides a practical tool for city-level water security assessment.
• The Water Security Index (WSI) can guide adaptive water management strategies.
• Scaling this approach can support national climate change adaptation initiatives in Thailand.