La adaptación al cambio climático en la ciudad de Alicante. Medidas adoptadas desde la gestión de los recursos hídricos

Abstract

Currently, policies and measures to adapt to Climate Change are one of the major challenges of the societies. In the Mediterranean area, its consequences will be manifested in a greater frequency of drought episodes and high‐intensity rainfall episodes. This will make it increasingly complex to guarantee water supply, especially in water stress areas and aggravate the risk of flooding. This paper will analyze the actions taken in the city of Alicante to reduce and adapt to Climate Change with particular attention to the management of water resources and especially in relation to the use of rainwater. As the main conclusion drawn, it can be pointed out that the new use of rainwater has allowed, on the one hand, to reduce the consumption of drinking water for certain municipal uses and, on the other hand, to reduce the risk of flooding coinciding with episodes of intense rains.