Climate change has amplified the challenges faced by urban streams globally, significantly impacting the ecological health, biodiversity and functionality of these systems. One of the core effects of climate change is the alteration of precipitation patterns. Climate change has led to significant shifts in rainfall patterns, frequency and intensity, resulting in more frequent and severe flooding events. Urban areas that have been continuously subjected to increased level of developments are characterized by extensive impervious surfaces such as roads, pavements, and buildings, and many have experience exacerbated flooding events. The increased runoff from these surfaces reduces natural infiltration into the ground, overwhelming the flow volumes in urban streams. This intensified runoff also contributes to increased erosion and sedimentation, which further degrades water and habitat quality. Additionally, the accumulation of pollutants from urban areas, such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons, washed into streams during heavy rains, further compromise water quality and harm aquatic life.

Rising temperatures exacerbate the challenges faced by urban streams. Elevated air temperatures lead to warmer water temperatures in streams, which can have several detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. Many aquatic species are highly sensitive to temperature changes, and warmer waters can result in decreased dissolved oxygen levels, affecting fish and other aquatic organisms that require stable temperature ranges for survival and reproduction. Furthermore, higher temperatures can promote the growth of harmful algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels and produce toxins, further degrading water quality and disrupting ecological communities. Climate change also affects streamflow regimes by altering the timing and magnitude of stream flows. Variations in snowmelt patterns, increased evaporation, and changes in rainfall can lead to unpredictable and extreme fluctuations in streamflow. These disruptions can affect habitat availability and migration patterns for aquatic species, potentially leading to declines in biodiversity and shifts in community composition.

Despite the various campaigns to address the effects of climate change resulting from these activities on freshwater environments, little has been done to address the looming threats and negative impacts on urban streams. This Research Topic aims to address how climate change is affecting the status and trends of urban streams globally, It is crucial to develop and implement adaptive management strategies that aim to mitigate the effects of climate change and safeguard these essential ecosystems.

We welcome submissions on the following topics and other related sub-topics that are not listed here:

1) Negative impacts of climate change on urban streams, be it increased temperature regime, excessive rainfall, drought and any other climatic change factors affecting urban streams.
2) Climate change and biodiversity loss in urban streams.
3) Effect of climate change on ecosystem services provided by urban streams.
4) Measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change and adaptive mechanisms to reduce these impacts on urban streams at local, regional and global levels.
5) Innovative climate change policies and governance instruments to tackle the risks associated with climate change.
6) Development of climate change forecast models to reduce the impacts of climate change on fast-urbanizing streams.

Submissions, may be Original Research articles, Reviews, Opinion articles, Case Studies, and any other form or submissions that fall within the scope and related scopes of this Research Topic.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Effects of Climate Change on Urban Streams in the Anthropocene: How Ready Are We to Tackle This Looming Danger?

Topic Coordinator