Link Water, Energy and Climate in Global Talks

The business leaders were speaking at the launch of a report by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development at the 5th World Water Forum in Istanbul. The forum is expected to produce a ministerial statement calling for proactive policies on water issues.

The report, "Water, Energy and Climate Change: A contribution from the business community," says water, energy and climate change are inextricably linked and it lists five important policy recommendations from business to climate negotiators and policy-makers. These are:

- Provide reliable climate change risk data, models and analysis tools.

- Integrate water and energy efficiency in measurement tools and policy.

- Bring water issues into the mainstream, and ensure that water authorities and institutions have - staff trained to deliver common management practices, education and awareness raising.

- Integrate and value ecosystem services (the benefits that nature provides to society, such as - water and forest products) into cross-border decision-making.

- Encourage best practice through innovation, appropriate solutions and community engagement.

It also includes 25 case studies showing how business is already linking water, energy and climate across their operations.

Bjorn Stigson, president of the WBCSD finds that water is everybody's business. It is used to generate energy, and energy is used to provide water. Climate change will affect the use and availability of both.

Mark Garrett, CEO of Borealis and co-chair of the WBCSD Water Project, said that climate change, water and energy are interlinked challenges. He finds it therefore essential, for business and government alike, to integrate water and energy efficiency in measurement tools and policies.

The WBCSD's Water Project brings together more than 60 companies from mining and metals, oil and gas, consumer products, food and beverages, infrastructure services and equipment sectors. The broad representation reflects the knowledge that all businesses will face water challenges in the years ahead.