About this group
The Water Risk and Strategy Working Group enables problem-solving and knowledge sharing on the most pressing global water issues. The group is a place for learning, sharing and exchanging ideas on challenges and solutions across industries.
Water is one of our most vital and irreplaceable resources – with only approximately 0.4% of the world's freshwater available for human use. This water sustains our agricultural systems and consequently, our food chain. Our PCs and phones rely on silicon chips produced from water intensive manufacturing processes. The electricity that flows through the veins of every home, office building and supermarket is generated by power stations that depend heavily on water. Some say water, not oil, is the backbone of our economy.
Despite this only a small few are thinking strategically about the significant business risks of operating in a water scarce world. To help manage this risk we need improved science, transformed business practices and standards and measurements.
Nestlé chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe recently said "I believe we will run out of water potentially before we run out of oil."
In 2011, we will focus on the following areas:
- Water policy & regulation – Water trading schemes; The role of regulation and partnerships in achieving a sustainable water industry
- Water use efficiency - Water management lessons from the US; Exploring whether prices should reflect the true value of water?
- Water & climate change – Exploring carbon reduction through water management; Showcasing how water and energy can be saved through public engagement initiatives
- Water footprinting in the supply chain – A quantitative comparison between water footprinting for products and production systems; Latest methodology; How apt is the term water footprint?; Do we need to move on from water footprinting? Discussing the role of sustainability labelling
If you have a specific issue relating to water, please contact Izabela Stacewicz.