Safeguarding Freshwater Ecosystems under Climate Change

Freshwater ecosystems, encompassing rivers, lakes, wetlands,
and groundwater systems, are among the most biologically diverse
and ecologically significant habitats on Earth. However, climate
change poses unprecedented threats to their integrity, altering
hydrological cycles, species distributions, and ecosystem services.
Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, increased
evaporation, and extreme weather events are modifying water
quality, flow regimes, and biodiversity composition. These changes
threaten the provisioning of essential ecosystem services such as
drinking water supply, fisheries, recreation, and nutrient cycling.
Adaptation strategies, including habitat restoration, improved
water management, conservation policies, and community-based
stewardship, are crucial for enhancing resilience. This article
examines the major impacts of climate change on freshwater
ecosystems, identifies the most vulnerable species and habitats,
and explores effective adaptation measures to mitigate ecological
and socio-economic consequences.