A world without water is a world that cannot exist. Water is fundamental to life, ecosystems, health, and economic systems. Yet, it remains strikingly underrepresented in climate discourse. Seas, rivers, lakes, and wetlands are not just natural features; they are lifelines, playing a pivotal role in regulating climate and sustaining life. Water, in all its forms, is the foundation of sustainability, making sustainable water management essential across environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
Environmental sustainability: Ecosystems and climate regulation
Below is a snapshot of how water supports ecosystems and climate regulation.
- Safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem services: Water supports resilient ecosystems. Over-extraction and pollution jeopardise wetlands, rivers, and aquatic species, creating a ripple effect that undermines broader environmental health. Healthy water systems are essential for biodiversity and ecological balance.
- Wetlands – climate allies: Wetlands are among the planet’s most effective carbon sinks. Storing approximately 30 percent of land-based carbon, they help regulate water flow, mitigate flooding, and support biodiversity. Their degradation directly threatens climate mitigation goals.
- Oceans – Earth’s climate stabiliser: Covering over 70 percent of the planet, oceans generate 50 percent of the oxygen we breathe and absorb 25 percent of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. A stable climate is not possible without healthy oceans.
Social Sustainability: Health, equality, and human rights
The benefits that water provides extend far beyond environmental sustainability, underpinning social equity and public health.
- Access to clean water – A human right: Over 2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water. This leads to health crises, perpetuates poverty, and exacerbates inequality. Even in countries perceived as water-rich, such as Ireland, pollution and infrastructure failures continue to impact thousands of households.
- Gender dimensions of water access: In many parts of the global south, women and girls are responsible for water collection. This unpaid labour impedes their access to education and economic participation. Addressing water inequality is, therefore, essential to achieving gender equality.
Economic sustainability: Industry, agriculture, and risk
Water is embedded in everything we produce, from agriculture to automotive, data centres and fashion. Every industry depends on large quantities of water. For instance:
- Cotton t-shirt – 2,700 litres
- Beef burger – 3000 litres
- Smartphone – 12,670 litres
- Data centre (per year) – 25+ million litres
Every business has a water footprint, and as demand intensifies, awareness and efficiency must increase. Water scarcity is also a growing concern; shortages and droughts threaten agriculture, disrupt supply chains, and strain national economies. The economic impact of water-related climate events is growing–and will only intensify if left unaddressed.
The connection between water and climate change
Water is connected to every being, and it is intrinsically linked with climate change. The impact of climate change on water resources makes sustainable water management an even more urgent priority in sustainability discussions. As climate change accelerates, climate-induced water stress is becoming an increasingly urgent issue, affecting both the quality and availability of water worldwide.
Rising global temperatures are increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, causing extensive damage and loss of life. Droughts, in particular, are becoming more severe, resulting in long periods of water shortages. On the other hand, heavy rainfall and flooding are becoming increasingly common, damaging infrastructure and water treatment systems and contaminating drinking water.
The need for action
Given water’s critical role in sustaining life as well as supporting economic development, it must be central to the global climate action agenda. Sustainable water management and policy reforms are essential for ensuring resilience in the face of climate change. Below are some measures businesses can take towards responsible water action.
Raise public awareness and support water education
In many countries across the global north, water is often undervalued. Businesses can play a pivotal role in shifting this narrative by supporting community education on water’s role in sustainability and climate resilience. Initiatives that promote water conservation, pollution reduction, and policy advocacy can create a ripple effect in changing how society values water.
Promote water stewardship
Water stewardship should be embedded into business strategies. This involves responsible water use across operations, supply chains, and community engagement. By working collaboratively with other industries, local authorities, and civil society, businesses can help ensure long-term water availability.
Embed sustainable water management in business operations
Water efficiency must become a standard across all departments. Whether through reusing greywater, upgrading systems to reduce waste, or implementing employee awareness campaigns, every action contributes to safeguarding this finite resource.
Reform agricultural supply chains
For businesses in agriculture or food-related sectors, transitioning away from outdated practices is essential. Excessive use of nitrates, fertilisers, and chemicals severely impacts water quality. Businesses can advocate for—and adopt—sustainable farming methods supported by government policies and incentive schemes.
Encourage cross-border collaboration
Water knows no borders. Businesses must recognise their role in a shared global water system. With only 1 percent of the earth’s water available for human use, responsible management requires collaboration across industries and geographies. The EU’s recent water awareness initiative offers an example of how collective action can inspire change.
Partner with water-focused organisations
Collaborating with educational bodies like WiseWater Academy can amplify impact. This innovative organisation offers workshops and interactive talks centred on water conservation for both human and planetary health. Their approach emphasises collaboration over competition—an ethos aligned with long-term sustainability.
A splash of final thoughts
Water is the beating heart of sustainability, interconnected with environmental, social, and economic factors. Prioritising water in climate change discussions and actions is not just necessary but essential for safeguarding our future. While governments, policies, and large organisations carry significant responsibility for water overuse and pollution, each of us plays a vital role in rethinking how we use, conserve, and respect water. Every drop counts, and by advancing sustainable water management, we create ripples of change that shape a more equitable and climate-resilient future.
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