With COP29 just around the corner, water's role within the climate agenda is being recognized and reinforced through the Declaration on Water for Climate Action, supported by the Baku Dialogue on Water for Climate Action. This initiative, endorsed by over 50 countries, emphasizes the necessity for water to be integral to climate action rather than treated as just another issue attached to it.
Leading the charge, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev has called for the integration of water across all aspects of the global climate agenda, affirming its fundamental role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During discussions, he highlighted how water directly impacts many sectors, including food security and health.
Dmitry Mariyasin, UNECE's Deputy Executive Secretary, echoed this sentiment, pointing out the complex ties between water, food security, energy access, and health. He illustrated how transboundary water cooperation can pave the way to resilience and facilitate tangible climate actions. It's clear: if there’s to be any real progress, countries need to rally around the importance of collaborative water management.
The Baku Dialogue was specially developed with guidance from the UNECE Water Convention Secretariat, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Aimed at fostering partnerships for effective water management, the dialogue emphasizes transboundary cooperation, which is often needed for shared water resources.
One major concern highlighted by various stakeholders is the fact less than 20% of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) prioritize actions for water, sanitation, and hygiene, which are fundamentally related to climate change. This statistic raises eyebrows; with climate change exacerbated by water scarcity, the neglect of water-related policies stands out as both surprising and alarming.
Reflecting on the urgency of integrating water management strategies with climate action, Ms. Sonja Koeppel, Secretary to the Water Convention, presented the results of a recent study done under the Water Convention’s Protocol on Water and Health. The findings report on the dire need for countries to prioritize water-related issues to align with their NDCs if they wish to see meaningful advancement.
But what can be done? The answer lies partly with the creation of action-oriented documents presented at the COP29 presidency event. These documents focus on mainstreaming water actions within climate strategies, striving to help countries not just plan but actively execute policies and measures related to water resources.
Alongside these initiatives, the UNECE is planning to launch two new policy workstreams by 2025. One will focus on enhancing fiscal sustainability for PPPs aimed at achieving the SDGs, and another will leverage the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize management of both water resources and infrastructure projects for climate goals. With rapid technological advancements, the integration of AI presents both opportunities and risks for water management, making it all the more apparent how intertwined these issues are with climate action.
The countdown to COP29 also involves comprehensive discussions on how climate adaptation strategies can cohere with water resource management. Notably, experts believe enhancing collaboration across different sectors is imperative if genuine climate action is to be realized.
The urgency for this initiative is underlined by the frequency of climate-related disasters experienced globally, with recent superstorms, typhoons, heavy flooding, and wildfires stark reminders of the impact of climate change on water systems. Countries like Vanuatu, which face immediate threats from rising sea levels and severe weather events, have begun to recognize the necessity of integrating their water management policies with climate strategies.
Vanuatu's plight underlines the shared responsibility among nations, especially those contributing the least to climate crises. Despite Pacific Island nations contributing only 0.02% of global greenhouse gas emissions, they find themselves suffering from the repercussions of wider global actions. This brings to light the often-overlooked aspect of climate justice and the unfair burdens placed on those least responsible for the crisis.
Stemming from these discussions, the continuous engagement enabled by the Baku Dialogue aims to maintain momentum between annual UN climate negotiations. This will help to keep water management at the forefront of global discussions about climate change adaptation and could bolster various ecosystems affected by climate change and pollution.
Key events, such as the one planned for March 2025 focusing on climate change under the Water Convention, will allow stakeholders to explore innovative methods for effectively managing water resources amid changing climatic conditions. Such collaborative efforts may prove pivotal for countries facing immediate threats from climate-related crises.
Looking forward, the initiatives at COP29 will act as milestones for integrating water within the climate conversation, potentially shaping policies for years to come. The call to action is clear, and it’s time for the global community to respond, ensuring the management of water resources is closely aligned with efforts to combat climate change.