Picking up the pace on climate action: Building momentum from COP28
Mar 06, 2024
At the halfway point of the Paris Agreement, the legally binding international treaty on climate action, average global temperatures are already hitting 1.8°C above pre-industrial levels and future projections are stark. At COP28 in December, we could not escape the reality that progress is significantly off track.
But this is not a time for pessimism. Reflecting on 2023, and particularly the UN Water Conference in March and COP28 in December, I am optimistic that collective action can drive progress on adaptation and mitigation. At these events, there was a sense of urgency that led to a new level of focused, open problem-solving. We must carry that momentum forward this year. Water is rising on the agenda.
The importance of water was recognized in the final text of the COP28 global stocktake, particularly the “critical role of protecting, conserving and restoring water systems and water-related ecosystems in delivering climate adaptation benefits and co-benefits, while ensuring social and environmental safeguards.”
Policymakers are beginning to understand what water operators already know: the success of our societies and economies depends on our ability to manage water more sustainably.
As we pick up the pace in 2024, here are three areas where I believe the water sector can make real progress.
1. Cross-sector collaboration
As private sector companies become more open about the importance of water in their value chain, the water sector has an opportunity to deepen our dialogue. Water is being recognized for its importance to business, giving us an opening to push for more collaboration between industry, technology providers, governments, and water utilities. In 2024, we can drive the conversation on water consumption by industry, from agriculture to technology.
2. Elevate utility voices
The most important voice is often the one we hear the least - water utilities. Water was a constant source of discussion at COP28, with significant talks being held about mitigation, adaptation, and accelerating the water sector to net zero. At critical global forums including COP29, it’s essential that we elevate the utility voices to ensure action on water is realistic and effective.
3. Advance sustainable development through climate action
In 2023, we reached half-time on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals including Goal 6 - safe drinking water and sanitation for all. We can’t lose focus on this goal. With the right approaches, climate and development goals can be mutually beneficial. This is particularly relevant for the developing world, where we can harness the water sector’s global experience to help developing countries leapfrog to sustainable, efficient water systems that can affordably serve communities.
The countdown to COP29 in Azerbaijan has already begun, and we have a lot of work to do. Through collaboration between the water sector, industry, and governments, we can capitalize on the momentum from 2023 and accelerate towards a more water secure world.
More News and Articles
Apr 26, 2024
News
Bothar’s cutting head innovation
The trenchless industry in Australia continues to grow and the need to provide customised solutions becomes vital for a leading subsurface contractor.
Recognising the need for advanced solutions to meet the growing …
Apr 24, 2024
News
Sustainable drainage solutions: German Start-up transforms urban water management.
Germany boasts a well-established infrastructure for managing rainwater and wastewater, yet many developing countries lack such systems. Addressing this gap, …
Apr 22, 2024
News
HDD tooling that gets the job done
Horizontal directional drilling is a dynamic process that constantly changes and adapts to suit a range of applications across utilities and infrastructure. Operators looking to get the most from their equipment …
Apr 19, 2024
News
WATCH: Overnight with SAERTEX-LINER H20 in São Paulo
Available through Pipe Core, high-quality liner SAERTEX-LINER H20 performed under pressure in São Paulo, Brazil.
Maintaining aging potable water pipe infrastructure is a constant challenge …
Apr 17, 2024
News
Immersive media provides wastewater experience in Denmark
An immersive media experience (IMX) may not be what most people want when they think about industrial wastewater, but that is exactly what visitors can expect when they visit a new installation …
Apr 15, 2024
News
Spotlight on gender diversity at Pipe Core
Since founding in 2008, Pipe Core’s team has grown across all areas of the business and is now in a position where there are more females than males across the organisation. Research published in Harvard …
Apr 12, 2024
News
New Wave of Startups Scale Innovation to Solve Global Water Challenges
Innovators from Around the World Join Xylem’s 2024 Accelerator Program to Deploy Breakthrough Innovations for Utilities and Industrial Users of Water
A new group of startups …
Apr 08, 2024
News
Integrated sustainable electricity and clean drinking water systems
Altitude Water and New Use Energy Solutions have partnered to create integrated, mobile solar-plus-water generation systems that produce sustainable electricity and clean drinking …
Apr 05, 2024
News
How to Evaluate Hydraulic Fracture Risk in HDD Design
The design of horizontal directional drill (HDD) installations often requires an evaluation of the potential for hydraulic fracture of the soil layers through which an HDD passes. Evaluating …
Apr 02, 2024
News
Historic Project Linking Rome and Vatican City Uses Advanced Technology and Local Knowledge to Keep Water Flowing
Relocation of Major Sewer Infrastructure Enables Construction of Pedestrian Link for 35 Million Visitors to the 2025 Jubilee
Water …
Mar 27, 2024
News
USU Study Looks at Water Main Break Rates in the U.S. and Canada
Report Highlights Correlation Between Material and Diameter
Utah State University (USU) has published new research on water main breaks in the United States and Canada, examining …
Mar 26, 2024
News
Update BE-21: New Material in Course and Modules on Trenchless Pipe Installation
Online training on the topic of pipeline installation in civil engineering: Trenchless technology for underground drainage construction can be a resource-efficient, …
Contact
Xylem Inc.
301 Water Street SE,
DC 20003 Washington,
United States
Phone:
+1 914 323 5723