Sign in Subscribe
Climate change

Climate Change and Land Use Alterations Impact Water Resources in Mekong River Basin

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the University of Science in Vietnam have conducted an in-depth study on the effects of climate change and land use alterations on water resources in the Mekong River basin. The investigation utilized a calibrated SWAT model and projected future climate and land use scenarios to understand the separate and cumulative effects on river discharge and sediment yield. The study's findings suggest that climate change can lead to reductions in discharge and sediment yield by 3.2-3.3% and 1.7-3.0% in the 2030s and 2055s, respectively. Conversely, land use alterations can lead to rises in discharge and sediment yield by 2.3-3.4% and 3.5-4.9%, respectively. The cumulative effect of climate change and land use alterations may cause reductions in discharge by 1.4-1.6% and rises in sediment yield by 0.1-1.6% in the 2030s and 2055s.

Key Takeaways:

  • Climate change can lead to reductions in discharge and sediment yield by 3.2-3.3% and 1.7-3.0% in the 2030s and 2055s, respectively.
  • Land use alterations can lead to rises in discharge and sediment yield by 2.3-3.4% and 3.5-4.9%, respectively.
  • The cumulative effect of climate change and land use alterations may cause reductions in discharge by 1.4-1.6% and rises in sediment yield by 0.1-1.6% in the 2030s and 2055s.
  • The study's findings are expected to assist managers and policymakers in developing efficient and practical sustainable water management strategies in the context of climate change and land use alterations.

Statistics:

  • Climate change can lead to reductions in discharge and sediment yield by 3.2-3.3% and 1.7-3.0% in the 2030s and 2055s, respectively.
  • Land use alterations can lead to rises in discharge and sediment yield by 2.3-3.4% and 3.5-4.9%, respectively.
  • The cumulative effect of climate change and land use alterations may cause reductions in discharge by 1.4-1.6% and rises in sediment yield by 0.1-1.6% in the 2030s and 2055s.
  • The study projected five General Circulation Models (GCMs) under the SSP2-4.5 emission scenario.

Sources:

  • The separate and cumulative effect of climate and land use changes on river discharge and sediment load of the Srepok basin, Vietnam. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 2025,26():100661.
  • University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.

Read more