To avert a global crisis, we must immediately change how we use and manage water. Here are five ways to get started.
1. Value water
The situation will only improve when we begin to understand the true value of water.
All life requires water, it is a finite resource, and it has no substitute.
When societies place a higher value on water, we can expect improved efficiency and reuse instead of waste and pollution.
2. Share water
Sharing water is an efficient way to increase justice and resilience.
This is equally true for relationships between countries who share a river, lake, or groundwater aquifer.
By managing it together, they are much better prepared for the increasingly erratic rainfall patterns and the growing number of droughts and floods that must be expected as the global temperature rises.
3. Transform agriculture
All over the world, agriculture must undergo massive transformations, for several reasons.
We need more research and innovation to improve the sustainability, climate resilience and water efficiency of agriculture.
Changing food habits and reducing waste are other key factors in the overhaul of the global food system that has started and now needs to rapidly pick up speed.
4. Restore ecosystems
But by protecting and restoring ecosystems we can limit climate change, stop the loss of biodiversity, and improve water security.
Since all living organisms depend on water, we must pay more attention to the role of water in ecosystems.
5. Build resilience
Such extremes are expected to only become more frequent and more severe, making it necessary for all sectors of society to redesign for resilience.
Cities are integrating trees, wetlands, and farmland to recharge and clean water, boost carbon storage, and reduce the risk of flooding.
Communities protect their local watersheds and manage forests in a way that improves groundwater recharge.