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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces.

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Plastic pollution is by far the biggest threat to our oceans and this remains an incredibly tough problem to solve. Plastic credits could potentially serve as one of the much needed solutions for this crisis.

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The Scale of the Net Zero Challenge

The price of meeting net zero is estimated to be between $100-150 trillion over the next 30 years. Regardless of this cost, we need to reach net zero before climate change does irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.

ESG, Sustainability and Impact Jargon Buster

ESG, sustainability, impact… they all just mean green, right? Not quite. Despite being used often interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these terms.

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Importance of Water Governance Frameworks

Importance of Water Governance Frameworks

Will Sarni

Leader: Corporate water strategy

Don’t wait for a crisis. Join Will Sarni as he explains why smart, inclusive water governance matters now more than ever for protecting our most essential resource.

Don’t wait for a crisis. Join Will Sarni as he explains why smart, inclusive water governance matters now more than ever for protecting our most essential resource.

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Importance of Water Governance Frameworks

15 mins 34 secs

Key learning objectives:

  • Understand water governance levels

  • Outline key elements in the water governance process

  • Understand how water governance differs in non-OECD countries

  • Identify the role public-private partnerships (PPPs) play in water

Overview:

Water governance operates at multiple levels (local, national and global) and involves various stakeholders making and influencing decisions about water management. It’s not only about what decisions are made, but how they're made, reflecting political realities and competing interests. Water governance levels include country level governance and water level governance. Non-OECD countries face unique water governance challenges tied to access, environmental pressures, and economic constraints. Public-private partnerships have become a key strategy to tackle global water challenges by leveraging private sector innovation and resources. 

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Summary
What are the different levels of water governance?

Water governance operates at multiple levels (local, national and global) and involves various stakeholders making and influencing decisions about water management. It’s not only about what decisions are made, but how they're made, reflecting political realities and competing interests. Country level governance examples would be the United States and the European Union. In the US, federal, state, and local governments all play a role. Western states use state agencies to manage water allocation, policy planning, and environmental protection. In the EU, governance is more integrated and operates across international, national, and local levels, with an emphasis on sustainability and efficiency. At the watershed level, the Mekong River Basin involves countries like China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Governance is complex due to different national priorities, such as dam construction upstream affecting agriculture downstream.

What are some examples of water governance in practice?

Several governance models and frameworks illustrate how water is managed in real-world contexts. River Basin Management is a common method, requiring collaboration. Water Tenure Systems establish water rights and legal frameworks but often lack mechanisms for equitable management. The FAO’s Voluntary Guidelines aim to improve food security through responsible governance. The OECD Water Governance Programme provides global guidance, offering principles for inclusive and effective governance, encouraging shared responsibilities and regular policy evaluations.

What are the key elements of the water governance process?

  1. Stakeholder involvement: All actors (governments, private sector, civil society, and water users) should be engaged in shaping water strategies
  2. Policy and regulatory frameworks: These include the laws and policies that dictate how water is used, allocated, and protected
  3. Institutions and roles: Clear definitions of responsibilities across different organisations are critical
  4. Decision-making: It’s important to understand who makes decisions, on what basis, and whether equity and ethics are considered
  5. Transparency and accountability: Open sharing of information and holding authorities responsible for decisions builds trust and effectiveness
  6. Efficiency and effectiveness: Governance systems must meet their goals while making good use of available resources
  7. Adaptability: Systems need to respond to changes like climate impacts or population growth

How does water governance differ in non-OECD countries?

Non-OECD countries face unique water governance challenges tied to access, environmental pressures, and economic constraints. Many people in non-OECD countries lack basic services. Poor management leads to pollution and health risks, made worse by climate change and population growth. With limited funds, these countries struggle to invest in water infrastructure. Mechanisms like the polluter pays and beneficiary pays principles are increasingly important to ensure those who harm or benefit from water systems contribute to their upkeep.

What role do public-private partnerships (PPPs) play in water governance?

Public-private partnerships have become a key strategy to tackle global water challenges by leveraging private sector innovation and resources. Common models include Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) and Design-Build-Operate (DBO) projects, often used for desalination and wastewater treatment. In developing countries, donor-supported PPPs have successfully expanded access to services in rural and peri-urban areas.

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Will Sarni

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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