Strategic Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Strategic Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Effects of Climate Change and Global Socio-Political Developments on Iran’s Water Resources and Strategies for Adapting to Them with an Ecofriendly Approach

Document Type : Analytical article

Authors
Javad Bazrafshan 1
Ali Khalili 2
Kamran Davary 3
Shahrokh Zand-Parsa 4
Alireza Sepaskhah 5
Javad Farhoudi 6
Amin Alizadeh 7
1 Associate Professor of University of Tehran, Dept. of Irrigation and Reclamation Engineering and Invited Scholar of I.R. Academy of Sciences.
2 Professor of University of Tehran Department of Irrigation and Reclamation Engineering and Associate Member of Academy of Science, I.R. Iran.
3 Professor of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and Invited Scholar of Academy of Science, I.R. Iran.
4 Professor of Shiraz University and Invited Scholar of Academy of Science, I.R. Iran.
5 Professor of Shiraz University and Fellow Member of Academy of Science, I.R. Iran.
6 Professor of University of Tehran and Associate Member of Academy of Science, I.R. Iran.
7 Professor of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and Fellow Member of Academy of Science, I.R. Iran.
10.22047/srjasnr.2025.525798.1133
Abstract
This study examines the escalating water stress in Iran, analyzing the combined impacts of climate change and socio-political developments on the nation's water resources. Findings reveal that global warming—driven by increased greenhouse gas emissions due to human activities—has intensified extreme climate events and altered rainfall patterns across the country. Additionally, excessive water extraction, particularly within the agricultural sector, has led to a significant decline in groundwater reserves across most basins and plains. Projections suggest that without effective policy interventions, these trends will worsen, posing serious threats to food security and ecosystem stability. Key challenges include conflicts over transboundary water resources and domestic water mismanagement. The proposed solutions are organized around three pillars: international (technical and legal cooperation), national (restructuring agricultural practices and optimizing water use), and systemic improvements in water management. The study underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive climate adaptation plan that integrates technological, economic, and institutional strategies. Major barriers identified comprise inter-agency incoherence, the absence of a cohesive legal framework for transboundary waters, and resistance to modifying traditional consumption habits.
Keywords
Agricultural water productivity
Climate change
Groundwater
Water crisis
Water diplomacy
Subjects
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Strategic Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Volume 10, Issue 2
November 2025
Pages 199-216