Introduction
The ecosystems on which life itself is based or food security, energy sustainability, public health, food, jobs, cities – are all at risk because of how water is managed. Now more than ever global water security is threatened by the issues that impact people’s lives: rapid urbanization, climate change, ageing infrastructure, increasing demand for food and energy supply are examplesof these threats that are exerting constant and increasingpressure on our global water resources.Water is an invaluable resource and a thread of life essential for life, food, education and indeed peace. It links all of our lives, is an essential transversal element and the basis of development ofall other sectors. It is an increasingly essential component of geopolitics and hydro-diplomacy. Therefore, we must stop addressing water issues in silos. It is high time that we approach water in a more holistic and cross cutting way. Although water institutions are working to build climate resilient water systems by managing risks from climate shocks and variability, however, improved water policy and practice is critical to support equitableand sustained climate resilience for water security. A new approach is needed which is integrated and inclusive to catalyse change, build partnerships and cooperation. It will bring immense opportunity with this finite resource especially in building resilience to changing climate.
Objective
The objective of this side event is to have a dialogue with diverse stakeholders to identify anddevelop water-transversality solutions that promote more resilient water systems and accelerateclimate actions by engaging local communities, water agencies, utilities, and policymakers. Developing and applying tools for how integrated energy and water policies can help reducegreenhouse gas emissions and limit the ultimate impacts of climate change. This session will explore how we need to rethink collaboration with our greatest allies in the climate crisis if we are going to achieve climate and water resilience for all.
Guiding Questions
- How to ensure that water is a lever for transformative and sustainable development in the face of climate change?
- How Water ecosystems and nature could be better valued and their protection incentivized especially to build climate resilience?
- How crucial is integration of water in related sectors for advancing outcomes such as climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and biodiversity protection?
- How to advance this topic further? Which actions and commitments needed at national and international level and in the framework of the COP 29?
