Where we will solve this challenge
Check out the map to see all the cities that face similar challenges in this area!
How do we make water management more sustainable?
Cities face increasing water challenges due to climate change. Water utilities, such as drinking water infrastructure, wastewater and drainage can be damaged by storms, sea level rise, and unsustainable policies. Climate change also causes water shortage, affecting over 150 million people globally.
The World Economic Forum Global Risk Report identified failure of climate change mitigation and adaptation and the water crises – droughts and floods – as the risks with the largest expected global impact over the coming decades (WEF, 2016). Flood events are occurring more frequently causing major damage in urban areas. The frequency and intensity of rain events will increase in the future. Besides flood risk, water shortage is an increasing concern. A recent global study shows that 1 in 4 cities already is water stressed, and climate change and urbanisation will increase the risk for water shortage in peri-urban river basins (McDonald et al., 2014). Water is essential for life. These challenges ask for a systemic approach and a transition in urban planning and urban water management.
Water plays an important role for the liveability of cities. We have to rethink the way we deal with water in our cities to create green, resilient and circular cities, so called Water Smart Cities, where collaboration between businesses, public authorities, researchers and citizens plays a unique part to ensure rapid transition. Many cities deal with increasing risks for water shortage, floods and heat waves