​​Water Unfolded

Earth is a water world. 

With three-fourths of the planet’s surface covered by water, it would appear that our supplies are virtually endless. However, only three per cent of our water is fresh – of which two per cent is stored in glacier and polar ice. That leaves just one per cent for a growing population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050.

Whether too much or too little, water provides us with an up-close view of the effects of human-induced climate change. From droughts to floods to rising sea levels, the power of our oceans, seas, and rivers is already disrupting weather patterns and causing climate extremes in every region across the globe. 

Not only do such natural disasters take a toll on infrastructure, migration and even human lives, but they also negatively affect other global systems. According to the European Commission, approximately EUR 9 billion of Europe’s annual losses are caused by drought, affecting agriculture, the energy sector and the public water supply. 

The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report stresses that the next 10 years are critical for improving the accessibility and sanitation of our water supplies. In turn, the European Commission’s new EU Adaptation Strategy acknowledges that smart, sustainable water requires closer cooperation between adaptation action and water management authorities, and transformational changes across all sectors. 

Water meets innovation

Technological innovations can be fused with nature-based solutions to better adapt to water-related climate challenges. Such solutions for climate change resilience are being implemented at scale with the help of technology and innovation generators like EIT Climate-KIC’s entrepreneurship programmes:

1. ClimAccelerator-supported start-up Elemental Water Makers is a water desalination scale-up that’s transforming water systems through reverse-osmosis technology powered by renewable energy while Netherlands-based Field Factors has developed a nature-based solution for decentralised water management in cities that works by locally collecting, treating and storing stormwater. 

2. The CILIFO ClimAccelerator supports the initiatives of entrepreneurs and enterprises in the field of forest fire prevention and control – a severe consequence of prolonged heat waves and droughts. Through its Firefighting Open Innovation Lab, Spanish and Portuguese start-ups are testing new innovative technology in climate change adaptation and mitigation to improve fire prevention and forest management.

3. The Climathon programme is tackling water-related challenges at the local level. This year, over 180 cities will host events where citizens come together to co-create ideas for protecting water bodies, incorporating nature-based solutions, and improving municipal water management.

Taking action

When it comes to taking personal action, citizens have more power than they think. Making simple lifestyle changes can help save water and support a more sustainable planet. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) advises the following:

1. Swap daily disposables such as straws, bags, coffee cups, take out food containers, forks, razors, and sanitary products for reusable alternatives, to keep plastics out of our oceans.

2. Reduce your water footprint by taking shorter showers, installing water-saving plumbing (toilet or shower head), and fixing household leaks.

3. Collect rainwater and reuse it for gardening, toilets, and washing machines.

4. Eat less meat, switch coffee for tea, choose quality over quantity when purchasing clothes. All these require huge amounts of water to produce.