The Challenge:
IMD predicts hotter summers and longer heatwaves, leading to water stress.
We need to shift from reactive disaster responses to proactive management of chronic risks.
Climate action requires a holistic approach across sectors.
India's Water Situation:
Water scarcity: India houses 18% of the world’s population on 2.4% of the earth’s surface area and has just 4% of global freshwater resources.
Nearly half its rivers are polluted, and 150 of its primary reservoirs are currently at just 38% of their total live storage capacity.
75% of districts vulnerable to extreme climate events.
Why Water Matters:
Food Security: Water is crucial for agriculture, employing 45% of the workforce.
Energy Transition: Clean energy like green hydrogen relies on water.
Green hydrogen, seen as a crucial pillar for decarbonising industry and long-distance transport sectors, is produced using water and electricity sourced from renewables.
Pumped storage hydropower — which acts as a natural battery and is essential to balance the power grid load — is an important component of a clean but reliable power system.
Disaster Management: Water-related disasters are increasing.
According to the UN World Water Development Report 2020, almost 75% of natural disasters in the last two decades were related to water.
According to CEEW analysis, between 1970 and 2019, the number of flood associated events (such as landslides, thunderstorms and cloud bursts) increased by up to 20 times in India.
Changing monsoon patterns affect agriculture, employment, and economic growth.
Policy Recommendations for Water Security:
Policies should integrate the food-land-water nexus through localized evidence and community engagement.
Water accounting principles are crucial for promoting water use efficiency and incentivizing investments in treated wastewater reuse.
More funding is needed for climate adaptation in the water sector, with a focus on strengthening wastewater management and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Moving Towards Systemic Change:
Coherence in water, energy, and climate policies is essential for addressing water-related challenges.
Data-driven baselines can increase water savings, while new financial instruments and markets can facilitate adaptation investments.
Incremental progress is feasible through these measures, leading to a water-secure and climate-resilient economy.
Conclusion:
A water-secure economy is the foundation for a climate-resilient one, necessitating concerted efforts in policy, governance, and finance.
Long-term sustainability requires proactive measures to address water-related challenges and adapt to changing climate realities.
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