Integrating Risks of Water Scarcity and Glacier Lake Outburst Floods in Peruvian Andes

Geoenvironmental Disasters, September 23

Towns and rural populations near the rapidly deglaciating Andes in Peru are threatened by both glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and reduced water availability that will be heightened under a high emission scenario; however these two risks are rarely examined together.  This interdisciplinary study found glacier meltwater an important source of freshwater in the dry season, with many households and economic activities depending on it throughout the year.  Similar strong interdisciplinary efforts are needed to address sustainable disaster risk reduction, climate change adaption, and integrated water management in these and other mountain communities.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40677-020-00159-7

Compiled by Amy Imdieke