Tackling water scarcity needs to be recognised as a sustainability opportunity as large as reducing climate change, according to the British Standards Institution.
The BSI’s report, in partnership with Waterwise, warns that water provision and use contribute around 10% of global carbon emissions, while drought could affect as many as 75% of the world’s population by 2050, meaning that inaction could be as detrimental to the planet as not tackling the climate crisis.
Waterwise chief executive Nicci Russell said using water sustainably can help to “reach net zero emissions”, as well as “secure water supplies for people and businesses and protect and improve the environment”.
BSI chief strategy and transformation officer Jonathan Chocqueel-Mangan said the Institution understands that “ensuring a water-secure future could be as big an opportunity as reducing carbon emissions”.
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Increasing water circularity through global collaboration and innovation could bring wider benefits – including reducing drought risk, supporting climate change goals and advancing social development to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The research identifies that using water wisely can bring important benefits, including enabling equitable global access, protecting precious habitats and making the world more resilient to climate change and drought.
It makes a series of recommendations, including making water recycling and reuse the norm where possible, using techniques such as water recycling and water reuse in new buildings, or rainwater harvesting.
