CEBDS participated in the panel “Water Security – Water and climate change in Brazil”, promoted by the National Water Agency (ANA) at COP23 on Monday morning (13). The coordinator of the Thematic Chamber of Energy and Climate Change (CTClima) of CEBDS, Laura Albuquerque, spoke alongside ANA specialist, Saulo Aires de Souza.
The CEBDS representative highlighted that water scarcity is a concern for companies worldwide. "According to a 2014 survey by the CDP Water Report Initiative, 68% of the more than 500 companies interviewed consider themselves exposed to water risks, and 60% believe that water scarcity and water quality issues are the most significant risks for organizations," she said.
According to data from GrowingBlue, if nothing is done, by 2050 water stress could affect 50% of global grain production and 45% of GDP (US$$ 63 trillion).
In Brazil, a 2014 survey of São Paulo industry showed that 67.7% of them were concerned about the possibility of rationing in São Paulo and that 54.5% had no alternative water source. During the water crisis that affected the Southeast region in recent years, reservoirs in the Southeast fell below 5% capacity, causing electricity costs to rise by up to 35%. Estimates from the consulting firm Tendências indicate that this scenario may have reduced Brazilian GDP by up to 0.3% in 2015;
Action
As examples of positive actions developed by CEBDS, the CTClima coordinator cited the Cities for Water Coalition – Rio de Janeiro Chapter, launched in partnership with TNC, and the publication “Efficiency in Water Use,” produced in conjunction with the German cooperation agency GIZ.
"The water issue requires a collective solution, with all sectors of society playing their part. We can no longer afford to wait for rain that may not come, or for government-only actions without companies engaging outside their own gates," he concluded.
Finally, Laura Albuquerque invited everyone to the 8th World Water Forum, the largest event on the topic, which will be held in Brasília between March 19 and 23, 2018, and to Business Day on March 18, a day to discuss the water agenda with business leaders from around the world.
