What is the role of water in the net-zero carbon society?

In Water Europe, we believe in leadership, collaboration, and results, cultivating a culture within the innovative water sector distinguished for its visionary, inclusive, and impactful spirit. We want to hear about your solutions, your expertise during this day on the role of water in a net-zero society.

In too many conferences, we have been flooded with data, overwatered with facts on the importance of water only leading to a Colorado effect: a river which does not reach the sea anymore. All of us need to stand up for the real value of water and build a Water-Smart Society.

It means a society in which the true value of water is recognised and realised; all available water sources are managed in such a way that water scarcity and pollution of water resources are avoided; water and resource loops are largely closed to foster a circular economy and optimal resource efficiency; the water system is resilient against the impact of climate change events; and all relevant stakeholders are involved in the governance of our water system.

During the last months, the European institutions pursue to roll out the green carpet for a low carbon and digitalised economy: Healthy soils strategy, Fitfor55, the Next Generation programme. However, what is the role of water when we emerge from the carbon tunnel? Will the green carpet turn blue? It will be too late.

Three key legislations are currently under revision in our common house:

🔹How can water head a new industrial emissions directive which steers Europe to a strategic autonomy in a net-zero carbon society?

🔹How can water turn the urban wastewater management into a resource for local stakeholders with multiple benefits in a net-zero carbon society?

🔹How can water – from the pick of our mountains to our costal lines, navigating across the diversity of our wetlands – provide healthy bath hotspots for the benefit of our net-zero carbon society?

Finally, thinking that whatever happens outside Europe will have no impact inside Europe is a tale. We are not in a closed society. The European Union – by the voice of the Commissioner for neighbourhood and enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, – affirms its support to one of our partner to combat climate change through the achievement of a Water-Smart Society. How so can we outline a water-smart diplomacy of a net-zero carbon Europe?

Let’s write together a new page of Water Europe’s story and head towards a water-smart net-zero carbon society.

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