Source 2008 identified three main challenges to be addressed for water. The first of these is climate change.
John Craven, TV presenter and patron of the South East Climate Change Partnership began by speaking about the importance of climate change to society generally and to the water industry specifically.
In a video interview, EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas then set out the European context for climate change and the role of the water sector.
John described the impacts of climate change on the water industry and on the public – including extreme events such as drought, flooding, water quality changes, water availability impacts and coastal erosion - and the industry’s responses to climate change. These include:
Mitigation actions such as renewable energy, energy/water efficiency, pricing carbon, trading schemes etc.
Adaptation actions such as catchment management approaches, source controls, increasing network resilience etc.
Key messages arising from this challenge were:
1 Climate change is real and is already having impacts for which the water sector must plan.
2 Although climate change is a massive and difficult challenge, there can also be opportunities if it is approached in the right way. Measures can deliver financial and environmental benefits.
3 To realise these opportunities, we need a change of culture and new approaches and solutions. This will involve industry, national and European government, regulators and others working towards shared goals.
In summary, climate change is one of the key issues facing not just the water industry but all sectors and indeed all of mankind. However, the water industry is at the forefront of many of the impacts of climate change and has already undertaken a great deal of work. More innovative thinking and working in partnership is required to tackle the challenges ahead.
Source is a platform for sharing views of the water service among opinion-formers from the service itself and from a wide range of related sectors.
Source 2008 took place on 29 May at Lancaster House, London.
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