Sustainability

Centring water at COP27 as a key enabler of change

September 30, 2022

Global

Centring water at COP27 as a key enabler of change

September 30, 2022

Global
Eve Labalme

Senior analyst, Economist Impact

Eve is a senior analyst with Economist Impact Policy & Insights, based in New York City. She works to design and execute evidence-based economic and public policy-oriented research programs ranging from benchmarking indexes and economic impact analysis to historical research and trend forecasting. At present, her research focuses on innovative management techniques for natural resources, sustainable and inclusive economic development, and food security in a changing climate. Eve holds Bachelor’s degrees in economics and art history from Middlebury College.

In early November, leaders and change-makers will convene for COP27 to tackle the world’s most pressing global challenges. Leaders must ensure that water is recognised as a foundational pillar of climate action—especially in discussions around sustainability, resilience and adaptation.

Access to clean, safe water is a human right. Yet population growth, a changing climate and ageing infrastructure are placing . In light of these looming challenges, world leaders must take action to ensure that all populations have access to the water and sanitation services they need—both today and for decades to come. Water management is among the of climate adaptation.

At Economist Impact, we see a path forward. The world needs to reduce water consumption, yes, but we also need to do more with the water we have—reducing waste and deploying technological solutions to stretch the life of freshwater resources. We must create opportunities for interdisciplinary, multi-stakeholder collective action towards the most pressing water challenges. All voices should be heard as we make the large-scale, systems-level changes necessary to ensure water access for all.

To work towards these goals, Economist Impact has developed the , a first-of-its-kind benchmarking tool that shifts the discourse on water from one of “doom and gloom’’ toward actionable, practical routes to sustainable, resilient water futures. The Index drives collaboration and coordination on how technological advancements and best practices can be leveraged to achieve sustainable urban water systems. It also serves as a tool for leaders and other water stakeholders to learn from their peers as they work to overcome water-related challenges.

If global leaders are to tackle the mounting climate crisis head-on, they must ensure water is part of the conversation at COP27—and beyond. At Economist Impact, we hope that the evidence-based and actionable measures of the City Water Optimisation Index can support these vital discussions, paving the way for a future where water is abundant, accessible and affordable.

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