Back in March, the Knowledge, Evidence and Learning for Development (K4D) team sat down with a group of water experts to discuss practical approaches and policy priorities to tackling the global water crisis ahead of COP26.
We discussed how climate change issues can be redefined as opportunities for collaborative action; the need for a more holistic, circular approach to water and climate change, and how practical tools such as water accounting, computer based-modelling, and drought and flood planning can help those who are most vulnerable adjust to the impacts of climate change.
Practical tools for water security
Rachael McDonnell, Strategic Program Director for Water, Climate Change and Resilience at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), discusses how IWMI are using practical tools such as water accounting, computer based-modelling to predict future water conditions, and drought and flood planning to help those who are most vulnerable adjust to the impacts of climate change.
Water and climate change: an opportunity
John Matthews, Executive Director and co-founder of Alliance for Global Water Adaptation (AGWA), discusses how we can redefine climate change issues as opportunities to bring people together and create more productive and positive solutions.
Water solutions for climate change
Henk Ovink, Special Envoy for International Water Affairs for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, discusses the need for a more holistic, circular approach to water and climate change, including the adoption of nature-based solutions for climate adaptation and resilience.
Water: Connecting the SDGs
Water is a connecting issue that cuts across the whole 2030 agenda and is fundamental to achieving the SDGs. Henk Ovink, Special Envoy for International Water Affairs for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, explains how through a deeper understanding of the inter-dependencies and complexities of these intersections, we can leverage water for real sustainable development.
Speaking on water in relation to COVID-19, Henk added: ‘Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) are not only the first line of defence, they are also the best step for sustainable recovery. Water scarcity is a global problem that needs collective action. Now is the time!’
Read more in his recent article: For many, the first line of defense against Covid-19 is out of reach
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