Water scarcity has become one of the world's most serious environmental challenges due to climate change, rapid population growth, ecosystem degradation, and unsustainable water use. According to the United Nations, around 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, while global water demand is expected to increase by more than 40% by 2050. Azerbaijan, one of the countries with the lowest freshwater resources in the region, is also facing growing water-related risks.
In an interview, Hasan Nabiyev, PhD in Geography, Associate Professor and Leading Researcher at the Institute of Geography of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, explained how climate change is affecting the country's water resources.
Nabiyev stated that rising temperatures, declining precipitation, and increased evaporation have significantly disrupted Azerbaijan's water balance. He noted that the snow line has risen from about 3,500 to 3,900 meters, reducing permanent snow cover and threatening rivers in the Quba–Khachmaz region that depend on glacier and snowmelt. “If this situation continues for several more years, freshwater shortages may emerge,” he warned.
He added that satellite data show a rapid decline in the country's glaciers, particularly in the Greater Caucasus, as a direct consequence of global warming. According to Nabiyev, the warming trend observed over the past three decades has been driven by both human activities and natural factors, including increased solar activity.
Speaking about the declining water level of the Caspian Sea, Nabiyev explained that changes in atmospheric circulation have reduced precipitation over the Volga River basin, which provides nearly 80% of the sea's inflow. As a result, the Caspian Sea continues to lose water.
He also emphasized that although heavy rainfall events have become more frequent, they are usually short-term and cannot compensate for long-term water shortages. Instead, he recommended making better use of rainwater by preserving natural depressions, constructing covered reservoirs to reduce evaporation, and improving water storage systems.
Nabiyev concluded that adapting to climate change requires more efficient water management, greater water conservation, and investment in modern infrastructure to reduce water losses and ensure the sustainable use of Azerbaijan's limited freshwater resources.
“A Separate Institution Should Be Established for Water Management”
Asked about the most effective water management models, Hasan Nabiyev emphasized that river basins cannot be managed according to administrative boundaries. He suggested establishing a dedicated water management authority that would include representatives of both government institutions and local communities to monitor water use and ensure efficient allocation.
According to Nabiyev, water conservation should be the top priority. He stressed the need to modernize irrigation systems, introduce advanced technologies, and reduce water losses. Although some recommend cultivating crops that require less irrigation, he noted that cotton remains one of Azerbaijan's most important agricultural products and requires large amounts of water.
Regarding irrigation methods, Nabiyev explained that cotton is traditionally irrigated through surface (flood) irrigation, but added that more efficient practices should still be adopted wherever possible. He pointed out that around 40% of water is lost through unlined earthen irrigation canals, making the reduction of water losses one of the country's most urgent water management priorities.
