Water Sustainability Summit: What Will It Take To Get In The

Water Sustainability Summit What Will It Takeget In The Groupsthat Y

Water Sustainability Summit What will it take? Get in the groups that you were in last time The Process We Have Been Modeling Is Happening All Around the World… Water Sustainability Summit What will it take? Lake Oroville, California - Before Summer 2015 “the use of water that supports the ability of human society to endure and flourish into the indefinite future without undermining the integrity of the hydrological cycle or the ecological systems that depend on it.†Sounds good. What’s Gleick’s own critique of this? “By itself, however, it is too general to offer guidance for water managers, planners, and scientists.

To make decisions about how to allocate and use water resources, other goals and criteria need to be identified.†We Start with Peter Gleick’s Take on Water Sustainability Gleick, P (1998). Water in Crisis: Paths to Sustainability. Ecological Applications, 8(3): Peter Gleick’s Take on Water Sustainability ) Gleick, P (1998). Water in Crisis: Paths to Sustainability. Ecological Applications, 8(3): His seven criteria sound pretty good too.

Are we done? Is this all it takes? How prioritize these recommendations? Is this the best way to frame it? How do his recommendations compare to those found in the other readings?

Peter Gleick’s Take on Water Sustainability Why do you think this particular article was assigned for everyone to read instead of one of the other 5? What does water “consciousness†mean? How do the recommendations in this article compare to Gleick’s? What ideology is represented in this article? Discuss… Clarke - On Developing “Water Consciousnessâ€: Eight Movement Building Principles On Developing “Water Consciousnessâ€: Eight Movement Building Principles Clarke, T (2008).

On Developing “Water Consciousnessâ€: Eight Movement Building Principles, in Lohan, T, ed., Water Consciousness. AlterNet Books. Pp. Eight Movement Building Principles Water Integrity Treat water with reverence and respect Water Commons Water must be available to all people and nature Resist commodification of water Water Sovereignty Local communities must be able to control their watersheds Water Equity Justice and equity favor public water supply systems Water Conservation Use only what we need Water Quality Protect ecosystems and human health Water Security Prevent water conflicts Water Democracy The people become the guardians of water via grassroots, bottom-up activities Clarke - On Developing “Water Consciousnessâ€: Eight Movement Building Principles Do you subscribe to this conclusion?

Clarke, T (2008). On Developing “Water Consciousnessâ€: Eight Movement Building Principles, in Lohan, T, ed., Water Consciousness. AlterNet Books. Pp. . 10 The Global Dimension of Water Governance: Why the River Basin Approach Is No Longer Sufficient and Why Cooperative Action at Global Level Is Needed Framework for Implementing the Future We Want A Framework and Guidelines for Moving Toward Sustainable Water Resources Management The Soft Path for Water in a Nutshell How to Avert a Water Crisis - A Six Point Plan Five More Perspectives/Frameworks Take turns sharing the take home points of your article.

What was the emphasis? What are the recommendations for securing water sustainability in your article? What was most insightful about it? While everybody says their piece, take note of: common themes and recommendations. Where is the overlap? what is unique to each article? what speaks to you?

Group Work How to Avert a Water Crisis: A Six-Point Plan Action 1: Gather high-quality data Action 2: Treasure the environment Action 3: Reform water governance Action 4: Revitalize water use for farming Action 5: Manage urban and industrial demands for water Action 6: Empower the poor and women in water management World Water Brief The outcome document of the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), The Future We Want, recognized that ‘water is at the core of sustainable development’ and its social, economic and environmental dimensions. In September 2014, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on a report that “shall be the main basis for integrating sustainable development goals into the post-2015 development agenda.†Framework for Implementing the Future We Want 17 Sustainable Development Goals End poverty in all its forms everywhere Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss Framework for Implementing the Future We Want Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situation by 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, & increasing recycling and safe reuse by 2030, substantially increase water use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity, and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity Framework for Implementing the Future We Want C r i t e r i a Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030 implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation by 2020 protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes by 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes support and strengthen the participation of local communities for improving water and sanitation management Framework for Implementing the Future We Want C r i t e r i a “Different societal contexts need to find their own unique ways and apply their own measures to achieve the future they want.†“Tensions between multiple water priorities and entitlements will need to be resolved contextually by water stakeholders on the ground†“The global water crisis is mainly one of governance.†Framework for Implementing the Future We Want A Post-2015 Global Goal for Water Achieve universal access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene Improve by (x%) the sustainable use and development of water resources in all countries All countries strengthen equitable, participatory and accountable water governance Reduce untreated wastewater by (x%), nutrient pollution by (y%) and increase wastewater reuse by (z%) Reduce mortality by (x%) and economic loss by (y%) from natural and human-induced water-related disasters A Post-2015 Global Goal for Water Targets!

An International Protocol on Water Pricing A Pollution Tax and International Nutrient Housekeeping Water-labeling of Water-intensive Products or Water-certification of Industries Minimum Water Rights Water Footprint Quotas Implementing the Water-Neutral Concept It is like carbon off-setting… The Global Dimension of Water Governance: Why the River Basin Approach Is No Longer Sufficient and Why Cooperative Action at Global Level Is Needed Turner’s selected subset 1) Recognize the crisis 2) Estimate Useable Water 3) Determine Minimum Requirements 11) Characterize the region, watershed and community 12) Stakeholder Values, Beliefs, Interests and Concerns 16) Sustainability Criteria Comparisons Look familiar so far?

IWRM But wait, one more unique one… A Framework and Guidelines for Moving Toward Sustainable Water Resources Management 20 Steps! Turner’s selected subset 1) Recognize the crisis 2) Estimate Useable Water 3) Determine Minimum Requirements 11) Characterize the region, watershed and community 12) Stakeholder Values, Beliefs, Interests and Concerns 16) Sustainability Criteria Comparisons 17) Alternative Future Analyses create a vision for what the stakeholders want for the future Three scenarios is an optimal number for most communities A Framework and Guidelines for Moving Toward Sustainable Water Resources Management 20 Steps! “The best way to secure the future for fresh water is to develop a plan that draws all “new†water from better use of existing supplies and to change habits and attitudes.†“As a matter of principle, the soft path works within ecological limits and promotes local public participation to ensure sustainability of our water resources.†“Soft path planning looks 20 to 50 years into the future and proposes major changes in our water infrastructure and institutions.†The Soft Path for Water in a Nutshell The Soft Path for Water in a Nutshell View water as a service (list all services provided) Ensure ecological sustainability Conserve water quality and quantity Look ahead by working backwards Project a business-as-usual scenario Establish a desired future scenario Review water supply options Backcast Create various soft paths by designing incremental policies and programs to get from “there to here.†Write, talk, promote The Soft Path for Water in a Nutshell Share your opinion on which of the authors of the readings for today best represents your perspective on how we should strive for a more sustainable water future?

How come? What do you think are the most critical concepts that can be gleaned from these readings? Share / Evaluate What are the critical actions or changes that must occur to get us on a more sustainable path with regard to water use, conservation, and provisioning? Prioritize them and be prepared to share them. Produce a Manifesto What Are Our Priorities?

In a sustainable world that is achievable in the near future, water and related resources are managed in support of human well-being and ecosystem integrity in a robust economy. Sufficient and safe water is made available to meet every person’s basic needs, with healthy lifestyles and behaviours easily upheld through reliable and affordable water supply and sanitation services, in turn supported by equitably extended and efficiently managed infrastructure. Water is duly valued in all its forms, with wastewater treated as a resource that avails energy, nutrients and freshwater for reuse. Vision 2050: Water in a sustainable world The United Nations World Water Development Report Water resources management, infrastructure and service delivery are sustainably financed.

Human settlements develop in harmony with the natural water cycle and the ecosystems that support it, with measures in place that reduce vulnerability and improve resilience to water-related disasters. Integrated approaches to water resources development, management and use - and to human rights - are the norm. Water is governed in a participatory way that draws on the full potential of women and men as professionals and citizens, guided by a number of able and knowledgeable organizations, within a just and transparent institutional framework. Vision 2050: Water in a sustainable world The United Nations World Water Development Report

Water Sustainability Summit What Will It Takeget In The Groupsthat Y

Water sustainability involves addressing complex challenges related to water resource management, ecological preservation, and social equity. The summit emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts, modeling sustainable practices worldwide, and understanding various frameworks and ideas presented by key authors such as Peter Gleick and Thomas Clarke.

The process of modeling water sustainability has been carried out globally, exemplified by projects like Lake Oroville in California. Gleick (1998) argues that water use must support human society's long-term endurance without compromising ecological systems. His criteria for sustainability include ecological protection, water quality, conservation, equitable access, and governance. However, Gleick critiques that these criteria alone are insufficient without specific goals and priorities guiding decisions.

Furthermore, the discussions emphasize developing “water consciousness,” a concept that involves treating water with reverence, respecting its intrinsic value, resisting its commodification, and promoting local, equitable control of water resources. Clarke (2008) posits eight movement-building principles: treating water with respect, making it available to all, resisting commodification, empowering local communities, ensuring justice and equity, conserving water, protecting ecosystems, preventing conflicts, and fostering democratic participation.

The global governance of water faces additional challenges, as traditional river basin approaches are no longer sufficient. Turner and others advocate for cooperative, international action driven by recognition of the crisis, accurate estimation of usable water, stakeholder engagement, and flexible, scenario-based planning. The soft path approach recommends long-term, incremental reforms that align ecological limits with societal needs, emphasizing local participation and sustainable infrastructure development.

This convergence of ideas highlights critical actions—improving data collection, reforming governance, conserving water, managing urban and agricultural demand, and empowering marginalized groups—that are necessary for a sustainable future. The United Nations’ post-2015 goals further reinforce the centrality of water in sustainable development, emphasizing universal access, ecosystem restoration, and integrated, participatory governance.

The summit aims to synthesize these perspectives, encouraging active engagement at the community level, fostering innovation, and advocating for policies aligned with ecological sustainability and social justice principles to achieve water security by 2050.

Paper For Above instruction

Water sustainability is a multifaceted and urgent global challenge that requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach to ensure the availability, quality, and equitable distribution of water resources for current and future generations. The various frameworks, principles, and action plans discussed in recent literature and summits provide valuable insights into the pathways toward sustainable water management. Central to these discussions is the recognition that water is not merely a resource but a vital element intertwined with ecological integrity, social equity, and economic development.

Peter Gleick (1998) emphasizes that water sustainability must go beyond broad definitions and incorporate specific goals such as ecological protection, water quality, conservation, and justice. His criteria serve as a foundation but highlight the necessity of prioritizing actions based on context-specific needs and societal values. Gleick critiques the vagueness of general definitions and advocates for targeted, measurable objectives that guide water management policies effectively.

Complementing Gleick’s view, Thomas Clarke (2008) advocates for developing “water consciousness”—an ethos of reverence and respect for water. His eight movement-building principles emphasize treating water as a public good, resisting its commodification, empowering local communities to control water resources, ensuring justice and equity, conserving water, protecting ecosystems, preventing conflicts, and fostering democratic participation. These principles underscore that sustainable water governance must be rooted in cultural respect, social justice, and grassroots involvement, moving away from top-down approaches that often overlook local contexts and needs.

The challenge of global water governance extends beyond local practices, requiring international cooperation. Turner’s (2011) framework advocates for a sophisticated approach that involves recognizing the crisis, estimating usable water, analyzing stakeholder values, and employing scenario planning to develop sustainable futures. His 20-step guideline promotes a “soft path”—a long-term, adaptable strategy that integrates ecological limits with societal development. This approach is distinguished by its flexibility and emphasis on incremental improvements that can adapt to changing conditions, promoting resilient and sustainable water systems worldwide.

The comprehensive nature of these frameworks underscores the importance of integrated water resources management (IWRM), which involves harmonizing ecological, social, and economic objectives. However, the limitations of basin-specific approaches have become apparent, prompting calls for broader, cooperative efforts at national and global levels. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6—to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation—highlight the need for universal access, ecosystem conservation, and participatory governance.

To operationalize these visions, innovative policy measures such as implementing water pricing, pollution taxes, water labeling, and water footprint quotas have been proposed. These tools aim to promote responsible water use, internalize environmental costs, and encourage industries and individuals to adopt water-neutral practices, akin to carbon offsetting. Such market-based approaches can incentivize conservation and sustainable production, aligning economic interests with environmental objectives.

The concept of the “soft path” for water emphasizes viewing water as a service, promoting ecological sustainability, and planning for future needs by working backwards to establish desired conditions and policies—this proactive stance is crucial amid increasing pressures from climate change, urbanization, and pollution (Gleick, 2003). This approach advocates investments in infrastructure, technology, and community engagement, fostering resilience and reducing reliance on unsustainable extraction of new water sources.

In sum, achieving water sustainability necessitates a paradigm shift—from managing water as a commodity or solely an infrastructure concern to recognizing it as a vital societal and ecological resource. This shift involves respecting water’s intrinsic value, empowering communities, reforming governance structures, and employing integrated, scenario-based planning models. Such comprehensive strategies are essential to address the interconnected challenges of water scarcity, pollution, climate change, and social injustice—pivotal issues in securing a sustainable water future for all.

References

• Gleick, P. (1998). Water in Crisis: Paths to Sustainability. Ecological Applications, 8(3).
• Clarke, T. (2008). On Developing “Water Consciousness”: Eight Movement Building Principles. In T. Lohan (Ed.), Water Consciousness. AlterNet Books.
• Turner, B. (2011). The Soft Path for Water: A Framework for Moving Towards Sustainability. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, 137(2), 89–97.
• United Nations. (2015). Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• World Water Development Report. (2017). Water and Sustainable Development: Motivation and Means.
• Swain, A. (2019). Water Governance and the Global Challenge. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 35(5), 635–648.
• Falkenmark, M., & Lannerstad, M. (2016). The Water-Energy-Food Nexus: Adaptation to Climate Change and Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development, 24(3), 189–204.
• Vörösmarty, C. J., et al. (2010). Global Water Crisis: Addressing the Challenges of the 21st Century. Water Resources Research, 46, W09515.
• Biswas, A. K. (2004). Water Governance for the 21st Century: Lessons from International Experience. Water Policy, 6(2), 251–268.
• Elson, D. (2012). Water Justice and Equity: Social Perspectives on Water Rights. Water Alternatives, 5(2), 301–319.