Beyond city limits : using a basin perspective to assess urban adaptation to climate change; the case of the city of Santiago in Chile

Abstract

The main source of water supply for Santiago, Chile is the Maipo River, which is expected to have reduced water availability due to climate change. The paper presents a conceptual model to assess adaptation options available both within and beyond city limits by considering the river basin in which the city is located. When looking at a basin scale, there seems to be a broader set of adaptation options if a city lies closer to the basin outlet than if located nearer the headwaters. Also noteworthy is that Chile´s water system grants private ownership of water.