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Ensuring Clean Water Requires Sustainable Strategies

/ 19 June 2024 / 0 Comments

Nicole Silk, the global director of Freshwater Outcomes at The Nature Conservancy (TNC), has analyzed why we must come together to protect the world's declining freshwater ecosystems.

Extreme Weather and Freshwater Ecosystems

 
 
Silk notes that extreme weather is becoming more common, leading to heavy rainfall and flooding in some areas, and widespread heat and drought in others. 

This has devastating impacts on both humans and nature. Since 1970, nearly one-third of the world's freshwater ecosystems have been lost, and populations of freshwater species have declined by about 83%, a much higher rate than terrestrial and marine species over the same period.

Urgent Need for Freshwater Ecosystem Protection

Freshwater ecosystems provide water for all forms of life. "It is imperative that we protect these ecosystems better right now," Silk asserts. She believes that clear standards must be set to protect rivers, lakes, and wetlands. To compensate for losses and degradation, we must pursue sustainable and long-term solutions while addressing social, economic, and political instability. This effort will take years, but not decades, to accomplish.

Personal Connection to Water

Silk's concern for freshwater dates back to her childhood. Growing up in Northern California in the 1970s, she witnessed a widespread water crisis, where her family had to carefully ration water use and monitor their water meter daily. Silk recalls that the water they drank came from melted snow in Yosemite and rainwater filtered through the Mokelumne River basin in the Sierra foothills.

As a river tour guide, Silk gained further insight into the journey of river water to household taps. She learned that water does not flow directly into homes and is not solely for human use. Water nourishes tree roots, supports aquatic species, and filters through natural systems like wetlands.

Human Impact on Water Systems

To serve economic goals, humans have fragmented rivers with dams, filled wetlands, and lined areas with stones where water could slow down and settle. We have altered river flows, added harmful chemicals, and severed the connection between surface and groundwater. This has significantly impacted aquatic species and ecosystems.

"Water also determines the diversity and distribution of terrestrial biospheres. We need to become more aware of this to restore the connection between humans, water, and the planet," Silk says.

Collaborative Efforts to Protect Water Resources

Protecting water resources requires strategic collaboration among freshwater ecologists, policy experts, economists, hydrologists, and financial specialists, whether representing governments, nonprofits, local organizations, or corporations. Equitable decision-making and access to clean water are essential, especially for disadvantaged communities characterized by factors such as income and race, which often face higher barriers to freshwater access.

A mission that aligns with BWT's vision

BWT's mission is to enhance water quality through advanced technologies that remove impurities and pollutants, ensuring safe water for drinking, industry, and agriculture.  We develops cutting-edge filtration and purification solutions while meeting regulatory standards and customizing solutions for diverse customer needs, supporting global water management and environmental stewardship efforts.

Source: Vnexpress - Protecting clean water needs sustainable solutions (Vietnamese)

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