New research presented at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) finds that water is an essential factor in tackling the food and energy crises exacerbate by climate change, reports Stockholm University.
The report, titled “The essential drop to reach Net-Zero: Unpacking Freshwater's Role in Climate Change Mitigation,” was released on Nov. 9, 2022, at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh. Stockholm University says that it is the first-ever summary of current research on the role of water in climate mitigation.
The document highlights the need to better understand global water shortages in order to plan climate targets that work well in the future. If not planned carefully, the negative impacts of climate adaptation could threaten freshwater resources and increase the costs of future adaptation.
“Most of the measures needed to reach net-zero carbon targets can have a big impact on already dwindling freshwater resources around the world,” says Lan Wang Erlandsson an author of the report and postdoctoral researcher at the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University. “With better planning, such risks can be reduced or avoided.”
Freshwater should be integrated into mitigation plans
The report describes how freshwater should be integrated into climate change mitigation plans to avoid costly consequences and mistakes. Even efforts usually associated with positive climate action — such as forest restoration or bioenergy — can have negative impacts if water supplies are not considered.
Done right, however, water-related and nature-based solutions can instead address both the climate crisis and other challenges, says Malin Lundberg Ingemarsson report author and program officer for the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI).
“We have identified water risks, but also win-win solutions that are currently not used to their full potential,” says Ingemarsson. “One example is restoration of forests and wetlands which bring social, ecological, and climate benefits all at once. Another example is that better wastewater treatment can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from untreated wastewater, while improving surface water and groundwater quality, and even provide renewable energy through biogas.”
The report highlights five key messages on the relationship between water and mitigation:
- Climate mitigation measures depend on freshwater resources. Climate mitigation planning and action need to account for current and future freshwater availability.
- Freshwater impacts — both positive and negative — need to be evaluated and included in climate mitigation planning and action.
- Water and sanitation management can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More efficient drinking water and sanitation services save precious freshwater resources and reduce emissions.
- Nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change can deliver multiple benefits for people and the environment. Such measures can safeguard freshwater resources, protect biodiversity, and ensure resilient livelihoods.
- Joint water and climate governance need to be coordinated and strengthened. Mainstreaming freshwater in all climate mitigation planning and action requires polycentric and inclusive governance.
