Water Scarcity Risk: Blog, News, & Insights

Happy Monday and Happy Holidays!

The year is almost coming to an end and from all of us at Waterplan we wish you and your loved ones a beautiful Holiday Season. As you get ready to welcome Santa into your homes, we ask a very important question: Given the ongoing water crisis, could Santa still live in the North Pole today?

Let’s dive deep for water insights and news! ????♀?

Could Santa Still Live in the North Pole Today?

Christmas is almost here, and children everywhere are preparing milk and cookies for Santa after his long journey from the North Pole. But is this 19th-century tradition still viable? Could Santa live in the North Pole today?

The Arctic, home to the geographic North Pole, is warming at an alarming rate — nearly four times faster than the global average. This phenomenon, known as Arctic amplification, is altering the region’s environment. Sea ice, which serves as a critical platform for many Arctic species and would hypothetically be the foundation of Santa’s world, is disappearing at unprecedented rates. In the past four decades, the Arctic has lost about 75% of its summer sea ice volume.

Rising sea levels from melting Arctic ice threaten coastal communities worldwide, while shrinking habitats endanger wildlife like polar bears and Arctic foxes. Indigenous communities face the loss of traditional ways of life, and warming temperatures disrupt ecosystems, including the vegetation Santa’s reindeer would rely on for food. These changes also bring new environmental and geopolitical challenges, such as increased shipping and resource extraction.

So, could Santa live in the North Pole today? The reality is that his snowy home is melting, threatened by climate change and the water crisis. But hope remains. By prioritizing sustainability practices and protecting water resources, we can help preserve the Arctic's fragile beauty.

This holiday season, let’s also think about our role in protecting the planet—taking actions that safeguard our water and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Is Water Scarcity An Issue, Then?

Paradoxically, even as polar ice melts into rising seas, many regions face a starkly different water crisis: scarcity.

Water scarcity occurs when demand outstrips the available supply, often driven by overuse, population growth, and shifting weather patterns caused by climate change. In many regions, like California, Chile, and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, dwindling water resources threaten ecosystems, local communities, and industries alike.

Much like the Arctic’s melting ice, water scarcity underscores the urgency of sustainable resource management. To address this issue effectively, sustainability professionals must proactively assess water risk and integrate water management strategies into business practices. Implementing water-efficient technologies, restoring natural water systems, and engaging in collaborative efforts with local communities are just some of the ways businesses can reduce their vulnerability to water scarcity, while protecting ecosystems.

For more information on water scarcity risk, read our latest blog.

News

World Drought Atlas Release

The EU launched the World Drought Atlas on December 2, highlighting the increasing frequency of droughts and their impact on economies and ecosystems. This comprehensive analysis aims to support global cooperation on drought resilience and emphasizes the need for coordinated action to manage drought risks effectively.

Read more

Climate Change is Intensifying Water Scarcity

A report from the Global Commission on the Economics of Water emphasizes that?climate change is intensifying water scarcity, with some regions projected to see up to a?30% decline in freshwater availability?due to altered precipitation patterns. This crisis poses significant risks to food security, as 55% of the world’s food is cultivated in areas facing declining water storage. The report calls for urgent investments in climate-resilient water infrastructure and improved governance of shared water resources.

Read more

Expert Insight

Ever wondered how companies assess water scarcity risks?

Meagan Knowlton , Senior Water Advisor at Waterplan , reveals the key: mapping sites, understanding local watersheds, and diving deep into groundwater resources. She emphasizes the importance of local data, stating, "Aquifers can be very, very local."

Don't be fooled by broad trends – your site's water situation could be unique. Smart businesses are using AI to gather local insights and make informed decisions.

For more information, check out Waterplan’s water scarcity risk webinar here.

Stay tuned for more updates, opportunities, and insights to propel your water management strategies to new heights ????