Earth Day 2023: The Impact of Climate Change on Global Water Resources and How to Mitigate It

The fact that we live on the Blue Planet can create the impression of an abundance of water sources. 70% of the Earth¡¯s surface is indeed covered with water, but of that, a mere 1% forms accessible freshwater sources that supply water for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes. Climate change has further intensified the stress on these scarce water sources and raised concerns regarding its access and usage.

Climate change is at the crux of the water crisis and the evidence is before us in the form of extreme weather events, floods, droughts, drying rivers and aquifers, and loss of biodiverse ecosystems that help conserve water. Today, several parts of the world are experiencing severe water scarcity, water-related public health risks, and a lowered capacity to counter extreme weather.

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It is estimated 1.1 billion people across the world lack access to safe drinking water, and 2.6 billion people lack adequate sanitation. The societal and economic costs of the water crises are immense. Droughts and floods lead to millions of deaths and displacements every year. It is estimated that by 2030, 700 million people will be at risk of being displaced by drought.

With the damages amounting to US$105 billion, the ¡°Weather, Climate and Catastrophe Insight¡± report by Aon, has marked flooding as the costliest of economic disasters in 2021. The loss of biodiverse ecosystems due to anthropogenic activities has further left several regions vulnerable to devastating cyclones, storm surges and simultaneously devoid of potable water.

Greenhouse gases are directly responsible for rising global temperatures and climate change. Therefore, curbing emissions can go a long way in mitigating climate change and saving water. This can be achieved through various means, such as reducing energy consumption, promoting the use of renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and encouraging sustainable transport. Stronger policies on energy use and pricing carbon can not only advance net-zero goals but also relieve the burden on water sources.

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The role of natural ecosystems and communities in conserving water is of prime importance. While curbing emissions can mitigate climate change, several biodiverse ecosystems support water resources recharge underground aquifers, and even enhance the quality of water by filtering out contaminants. On the other hand, community action can protect biodiversity and ensure waste management to prevent pollutants and contaminants from entering local water bodies.

Wetlands, which include lakes, ponds, marshes, swamps, and mangrove forests, are not only essential water sources but also mitigate the devastating impact of cyclonic storms and floods and help capture carbon. Mangroves, for instance, with their enormous carbon sequestration capacities, are nature-based solutions for reducing emissions. However, 87% of the world¡¯s wetlands have been lost since the 1900s.

Since many freshwater wetlands are located at points where surface water enters underground reservoirs, their loss has drastic consequences for the 2.5 billion people who are dependent on groundwater to meet their daily water requirements. It is imperative to restore wetlands to prevent floods, increase groundwater levels, and enhance water quality. Policies for the protection and restoration of wetlands along with strict measures for urban planning can help in

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It is also essential to increase public awareness and education on the importance of water conservation and the impact of climate change on water resources. This can help promote behaviour change and encourage individuals to take action in reducing their carbon footprint and conserving water resources. Initiatives by governments, civil society organisations and industries for enhanced storage and rejuvenation can enable access of water to communities and improve their health outcomes. It is also necessary to secure vulnerable communities against future threats of climate change. Restoring and rejuvenating ponds in peri-urban areas not only solves depleting groundwater levels but also prevents waterlogging due to heavy rainfall.

Recycling and reuse of wastewater to create circularity for water can help meet water requirements for industry, agriculture, and individuals. Treated and recycled sanitation wastewater, for example, can be redistributed for agricultural or gardening purposes. Further, creating systems for safe sanitation and responsible waste management can support the maintenance of contamination-free water sources and reduce exposure to water-borne diseases.

While their water consumption varies across global regions, the industry and energy sectors withdraw an average of 19% of global freshwater, including groundwater. Industries, especially those consuming a higher amount of water, must aim to be water-positive, i.e., they must replenish more water than they use. Water-efficient processes like integrated recovery, reuse and recycle systems, and groundwater recharging and rejuvenation can be implemented to reduce the wastage of water and create pathways for its circular utilisation. The adoption of emerging technologies such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) and IoT (Internet of Things) can regulate water supply for various processes and optimise water usage.

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Water is a precious resource that we share with all living forms. It sustains life on the planet and its paucity threatens the survival of all species. Water conservation is critical for achieving sustainable development goals such as poverty reduction, food security, and access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Every individual's actions can have a significant impact on the overall availability and quality of this shared resource.

Therefore, it is essential to create awareness among industries, communities, and individuals about the importance of water conservation, encourage them to act, and be custodians of this precious resource. There is a consensus that there is no planet B. It is our collective responsibility to create a culture of responsible water use and ensure a sustainable tomorrow for ourselves and the future generations.

About the author: Tejashree Joshi s the Head of Environment & Sustainability, Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.