Exploring socio environmental benefits of floodwater utilization in a changing climate world

The combination of climate change, growing population, and development of urbanization has exacerbated the existing water resources crisis. There is no natural resource that is more precious than water, and all aspects of human livelihoods have their foundation connected to water resources. However, many regions of the globe are experiencing critical conditions linked to extreme hydrological events, particularly floods and droughts. This study aims at exploring socio environmental benefits of floodwater utilization in a changing climate world. The results indicate that the utilization of floodwater as resources can support different socio-economic activities including agriculture irrigation, hydropower production, industry development, and providing ecological rehabilitation opportunities. Proactive integration of floodwater resources in water resources management strategies is highly encouraged. Studies on the introduction of models that optimize the utilization of floodwater resources are needed to expand existing knowledge, especially in the arid regions, rapid urbanization areas, and developing countries facing climate variability.