WATER SECURIT Y
WATER AND CLIMATE CHANGE
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o support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 – water and sanitation for all by 2030 – World Water Day raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. Climate change must be taken into consideration as variable climates increasingly affect global water sources.
Water and climate
As climate change increases variability in the water cycle, it induces extreme weather events, reduces the predictability of water availability, affects water quality, and threatens sustainable development, biodiversity and the right to water and sanitation worldwide. According to the UN-Water Policy Brief on Climate Change and Water, growing demand for water increases the need for energy-intensive water pumping, transportation and treatment, and has contributed to the degradation of critical water-dependent carbon sinks such as peatlands. And, some climate change mitigation measures, such as the expanded use of biofuels, can further exacerbate water scarcity. The UN has therefore called for an integrated approach to climate change and water management in climate policy and planning, both at a national and regional scale. A business-as-usual approach is no longer an option. Instead, water management must be scrutinised through a climate resilience lens.
14
MAR /APR 2020
The global climate crisis is inextricably linked to water. This year, World Water Day highlights how climate change is already impacting on global water supplies. The policy brief calls for more investment in improved hydrological data, institutions and governance, education and capacity development, risk assessment, and knowledge sharing. Policies need to ensure the representation, participation, behavioural change and accountability of all stakeholders. The argument is that significant co-benefits exist to managing both climate and water in a more coordinated, sustainable manner. And solutions for addressing these integrated challenges are available. However, meeting the climate challenge means: 1. Acting now 2. Considering water as part of the solution 3. Improving water management practices 4. Ensuring transboundary cooperation in adaptation 5. Rethinking financing.
intense floods and droughts, and may also increase the agricultural demand for water due to higher temperatures and a reduced ability to rely on rain-fed agriculture. The plan calls for a new normal to achieve water security in South Africa. This requires a significant paradigm shift that: • r ecognises the limitations of water availability •a ddresses the real value of water •e nsures equitable access to limited water resources •d elivers reliable water and sanitation services to all • f ocuses on demand management and alternative sources of water • c onsiders the impacts of climate change •a ddresses declining raw water quality. The NW&SMP states, “The implementation of this plan will enable South Africa to become more resilient to climate change
SA acknowledges climate threat
The recently released National Water and Sanitation Master Plan (NW&SMP) acknowledges that climate change will result in there being less water available at a time when the country is dealing with increasing water demands. Climate change is projected to increase the variability of rainfall throughout South Africa and to reduce average rainfall, particularly in the western part of the country. Climate change will result in more
DID YOU KNOW? Wetlands are the most effective carbon sinks on earth, but are declining three times faster than natural forests.
