Rough times require tough actions to be resolved.

This is regarded as a defacto weapon of survival. And, it is no surprise to note that the question of enhacing water availability and supply in South Africa requires bold and tough action. Bold and decisive approaches are the only answers.

Therefore, water management must play a central role in adapting to the worst effects of climate change. Water is the primary medium through which we will feel the effects of climate change. Water availability is becoming less predictable in many areas.  The increased incidences of flooding threaten to destroy water points, sanitation facilities and contaminate water sources are evident.

Higher temperatures and more extreme, less predictable, weather conditions are projected to affect availability and distribution of rainfall, river flows and groundwater, further deteriorate water quality.

Low-income communities, who are already the most vulnerable to any threats of water supply are likely to be the worst affected. Water is our most precious resource – we must use it more responsibly. We must balance all of society’s water needs while ensuring the poorest people don’t get left behind.

More floods and severe droughts are predicted. Changes in water availability will also impact health and food security and have already proven to trigger refugee dynamics and political instability.

World Water Day 2020, on 22 March, is about water and climate change and how the two are inextricably linked. Adapting to the water effects of climate change will protect health and save lives. Using water more efficiently will reduce greenhouse gases.

To achieve this, water plays a pivotal role in how the world mitigates and adapts to the effects of climate change. An integrated view on water, the biosphere and environmental flows is required to devise sustainable agricultural and economic systems that will allow us to decelerate climate change, protect us from extremes and to adapt to the unavoidable at the same time.

The World Water Day 2020 campaign explains that we cannot afford to wait. Climate policy makers must put water at the heart of action plans. Water can help fight climate change. There are sustainable, affordable and scalable water and sanitation solutions. Everyone has a role to play. In our daily lives there are surprisingly easy steps we can all take to address climate change.

 

Written by Khulekani Ngcobo. He writes in his capacity as a communicator at the Gauteng Department of Water and Sanitation.