Water is critical for success on climate action

New research titled "The essential drop to reach Net-Zero: Unpacking Freshwater's Role in Climate Change Mitigation," highlights the importance of water in climate mitigation. It is essential to look after global water shortages and scarcity and develop better plans for controlling the impacts of climate change. If not taken any measures, climate change may threaten water security and will also increase future adaption and mitigation burdens.

Keywords: Climate change mitigation, water, sanitation management,  environment, greenhouse gas

The report describes why, where, and how freshwater should be integrated into climate change mitigation plans for avoiding unexpected consequences and costly policy mistakes. Even the steps taken towards overcoming the problem of climate change such as bioenergy or forest restoration can also have negative impacts if water supplies are not taken into consideration. 

Dr. Lan Wang Erlandsson from Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University said, "Most of the measures needed to reach net-zero carbon targets can have a big impact on already dwindling freshwater resources around the world. With better planning, such risks can be reduced or avoided. Done right, however, water-related and nature-based solutions can instead address both the climate crisis and other challenges".

"We have identified water risks, but also win-win solutions that are currently not used to their full potential. One example is restoration of forests and wetlands which bring social, ecological, and climate benefits all at once. Another example is that better wastewater treatment can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from untreated wastewater, while improving surface water and groundwater quality, and even provide renewable energy through biogas".

The report mainly highlights five key messages on the linking between water and mitigation:

1. Climate mitigation measures usually depend on freshwater resources. Climate mitigation planning and action need to be taken into account for the availability of freshwater in present and future times.

2. Freshwater impacts i.e. positive and negative impacts need to be evaluated and must be included in climate mitigation planning and action.

3. Water and sanitation management can be effective in reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. Moreover, drinking water and sanitation services save precious freshwater resources and reduce emissions.

4. Nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change can be beneficial for people and the environment. Measures safeguarding freshwater resources, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring resilient livelihoods are crucial.

5. It is a need to coordinate joint water and climate governance. Mainstreaming freshwater in all climate mitigation planning and action requires polycentric and inclusive governance.

 Marianne Kjellén, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said, "Climate change mitigation efforts will not succeed if failing to consider water needs. Water must be part of powerful solutions for enhancing ecosystem resilience, preserving biodiversity, and regenerative food and energy production systems. In short, water security needs to be factored into climate action".

Professor Johan Rockström, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research said, "To tackle the climate, food, nature, and energy crises, water availability is of the essence. It is urgent that the world focuses all attention on the double facts that water is the number one challenge for climate adaptation due to droughts and floods, and a key challenge for mitigation, as there is no safe climate future well below 2 degrees Celsius without a functioning hydrological cycle".

Conclusion:

This research has definitely proven a key point of water to be considered important while climate change mitigation plans.