Impacts of Climate Change on Hydrological Regimes in the Congo River Basin

Surface water resources are essential for a wide range of human activities, such as municipal supply, fishing, navigation, irrigation, and hydropower. Their regime is also linked to environmental sustainability, water-related risks, health, various ecosystem services. Global warming expected modify surface availability, quality, distribution therefore affect use productivity well the incidence risks. Thus, it important communities plan adapt potential impacts climate change. The Congo River Basin, home 75 million people, subject recurrent flood drought events, which worsen result This study aims assess future modifications hydrological socio–economic these projected changes three periods: 2011–2041, 2041–2070, 2071–2100. A Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model Basin was developed, calibrated, validated using daily rainfall observations combined with time series precipitation, temperatures, relative humidity, solar radiation, wind speed derived from WFDEI (Watch Forced Era Interim) reanalysis data set. outputs ten Regional Climate Models (RCMs) Coordinated Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX-AFRICA) were statistically downscaled obtain series, considering two Representative Concentration Pathways: RCP8.5 RCP4.5. calibrated used in streamflow all reaches River. Results suggest ranging −31.8% +9.2% under RCP4.5 −42.5% +55.5% RCP 8.5. Larger occur most upstream network. point an overall decrease discharge center southern parts basin increases northwestern southeastern both emission scenarios, leading severe changes. likely significantly, consequences agriculture, hydropower production, availability ecological systems.