Act for the Environment. Water: The Key to Climate Action

We have landed on the Moon and will soon reach Mars. We can develop vaccines and antibiotics in record time, overcoming global pandemics. We have transformed how we live, work, and communicate with technologies that outpace our needs. Yet, with all this progress, are we still unable to tackle the most significant challenge we face today—climate change?

The answer is yes, we can. The technological and financial solutions are available. What remains uncertain is the political will to drive action beyond speeches, and this lack of urgency is slowing our progress. It’s hard to comprehend how we’ve advanced so far in telecommunications, medical science, and space exploration while such a vital issue remains unresolved. It is unacceptable that a problem of this magnitude not only remains unaddressed but worsens each day we delay. We’ve seen and calculated how the cost of mitigating the impacts of climate change already exceeds double the budget allocated to the energy transition. And this gap is only growing—potentially tripling within the next decade.

In this context, I feel compelled to highlight the three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) directly related to nature—the very foundation of life on Earth—and their intrinsic link to water. Water is at the heart of the climate crisis, deeply interconnected with all facets of the environment. It significantly influences both the availability and quality of this critical resource worldwide. And, crucially, water holds the key to solving the crisis.

Climate Action, Life Below Water, and Life on Land

Climate change is altering rainfall patterns and increasing the frequency and intensity of droughts in many regions. It degrades water quality through pollution and disrupts flow patterns. As SDG 13: Climate Action outlines, urgent measures are needed to combat these effects. To achieve this, we must raise public awareness, foster support for the necessary changes, and embrace behavior patterns that align with climate change demands. Only then can we drive sustainable and effective action.

According to the UNFCCC, global financial flows invested in climate action averaged $803 billion annually between 2019 and 2020—a 12% increase over previous years. Yet, this figure still falls short of the levels required to slow global warming.

Let’s not forget SDG 14: Life Below Water, which focuses on conserving our oceans, and SDG 15: Life on Land, which emphasizes the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems. These ecosystems are vital for sustaining human life. They contribute to more than half of the world’s GDP and carry diverse cultural, spiritual, and economic significance.

Freshwater plays a pivotal role in the health and functionality of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Oceans and freshwater bodies are connected through the water cycle, and changes in the quality of water discharged by rivers or from storm runoff in wildfire-affected areas have far-reaching consequences. These events not only cause erosion due to the loss of soil structure but also contribute to widespread contamination, affecting areas far beyond their origin and potentially harming ocean ecosystems in return.

In this light, the generation of new water—through desalination and reuse—and the preservation of ecosystems are inextricably linked. Both are essential in addressing climate change and the growing demand for natural resources. Non-conventional water solutions are crucial for reducing freshwater extraction, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring a sustainable water supply. Integrating these practices into global water management, along with sustainable policies and mitigation efforts from industries and agriculture—two of the largest water consumers—will help us meet the challenges posed by global warming and the increasing water demand.

Desalination presents an effective solution for providing potable water in areas facing scarcity, but managing the brine produced remains a significant challenge. However, reusing the minerals present in brine offers a viable strategy to minimize environmental impact. We can transform desalination into a more environmentally friendly and economically feasible process by implementing advanced technologies and integrating circular economy practices.

It’s Time to Act

Climate change is testing us—challenging our ability to manage natural resources effectively in an evolving environment. This requires adaptive and sustainable approaches, where improved water infrastructure and sustainable water cycle management become realities that help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Addressing the climate crisis and its impacts on water resources is crucial for ensuring water security and the well-being of communities worldwide. It demands a concerted global effort that includes policy changes, cleaner technologies, and greater public awareness of the importance of climate action.

The technology and financing are within reach. What we need now is greater international cooperation and a collective global commitment. Preserving and protecting nature is essential for securing a sustainable future for present and future generations. Safeguarding water is at the heart of this mission. The time to act is now.