Building Resilient Water Systems

Will Sarni

Leader: Corporate water strategy

We know water is valuable. Join Will Sarni and discover what is needed to address the growing global water crisis before it’s too late.

Water

We know water is valuable. Join Will Sarni and discover what is needed to address the growing global water crisis before it’s too late.

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Building Resilient Water Systems

6 mins 33 secs

Key learning objectives:

Outline developments in tackling water challenges
Understand what is needed to address water challenges

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Summary

What are the main developments in tackling water challenges?

There have been several key initiatives aimed at addressing water issues around the world. One major development was the UN’s Water Week in 2023, which launched the Freshwater Challenge to restore rivers and wetlands and promote national action plans. Another significant trend is the growing recognition of the true economic value of water. A 2023 report estimated the value of water and freshwater ecosystems at $58 trillion, around 60% of global GDP. New kinds of partnerships are also emerging, such as collaborations between tech companies and utilities to detect and fix leaks, which reduce water loss and contribute to sustainability goals.

How is climate change impacting water?

Climate change has a direct and powerful impact on the water cycle. Rising temperatures affect the hydrologic cycle, leading to increased glacial melt, changes in rainfall patterns, droughts, and floods. These environmental shifts cause knock-on effects like groundwater depletion, pollution, land degradation, and rising sea levels, all of which create serious social and economic consequences, like food insecurity, disease, and increased energy use.

How do we adapt to the challenges posed by climate change?

To adapt to these challenges, we need to rethink how we manage water. This includes creating modern policies, governance structures, and partnerships that support long-term resilience. Investment in innovative technology, such as water tech accelerators and prize programmes, is also essential. These efforts help foster a more sustainable and adaptable approach to water management.

What is needed to address water challenges now and in the future?

Solving water challenges requires a combination of fresh thinking and collective action. This includes:

Emphasising the real value of water beyond its price
Developing resilient systems that can adapt to both environmental and societal changes
Building new business and financing models that support long-term infrastructure upgrades
Encouraging partnerships that bring together governments, businesses, and communities
Investing in technology and innovation to help detect issues early and manage resources better

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Will Sarni

Will Sarni, a hydrogeologist and author, has been working on water challenges for most of his career. He has focused on corporate sustainability and water strategy for the past two decades. Sarni is an optimist and believes we can solve wicked water problems. He lives in Colorado and the American West, which faces water scarcity challenges. The American West is a major agricultural region for the US, exporting crops. To have thriving cities and agriculture and manufacturing sectors in the region, we must solve water challenges. Will has written several books on corporate water strategy, energy-water-food nexus, technology and policy innovation, and a children's book on water.

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