Ever wonder what sustainability means and how it relates to our lives and planet? Use this globe to see the topics, connections, and solutions that inform our sustainable world. Find new ways to get involved and build a better tomorrow.
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Biodiversity includes every living thing from plants to bacteria to animals and humans. Many of these species are declining due to human activities such as deforestation, pollution, habitat destruction, and over-exploitation.
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The built environment consists of the physical structures and surroundings that humans construct. It includes houses, roads, subways, stadiums, shopping malls and other structures designed by humans. The built environment affects the natural environment through human activities such as building and demolition, transport infrastructure like highways and railroads as well as urban planning.
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Corporate sustainability is an approach aiming to create long-term stakeholder value through the implementation of a business strategy that focuses on the ethical, social, environmental, cultural, and economic dimensions of doing business.
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Climate influences everything from the livelihood of ecosystems to sea levels to cloud cover and even our food systems. Understanding how we’re impacting climate will help us make the changes necessary to support a sustainable Earth.
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It's important in sustainability to build and connect with communities that are geared towards change. While it's important to put pressure on governments and corporations to act on big issues, it's also important to be sustainable in your daily life. This involves fostering harmony, awareness, and intentionality in thought and behavior, which leads to responsible actions and continued growth.
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Sustainable consumption is all about utilizing products and services in a way that will increase our quality of life while minimizing our impact on the environment. The goal is to reduce our use of natural resources and toxic materials so that we can reduce our carbon footprint, waste and pollution over the lifecycle of a product.
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The way in which energy is produced, consumed and even transferred can have a negative or positive impact on the environment. By understanding the impact and the alternatives available, we can make more informed decisions and use energy in a way that doesn’t deplete the Earth.
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Equity refers to achieving fairness regarding access to environmental resources, bearing environmental burdens, and being involved in decision making regarding the environment.
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The global food system has a major impact on the health and vitality of the planet and people. Sustainable solutions are needed to produce, supply and provide equitable access to healthy, clean and sustainable food.
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Land systems, which encompass land use, are pivotal to addressing sustainability issues including climate change, biodiversity conservation, equity, sustainable energy, and waste.
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Governments are responsible for creating laws, distributing money, and implementing taxes that help motivate all stakeholders to make sustainable choices. Stakeholders can help shape smart policymaking to drive sustainability forward.
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It's been said if a challenge exists, so must a solution. We're facing massive challenges with the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and environmental justice, and must come together to find those solutions and cultivate innovative, powerful ideas.
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Globally, over 2 billion tons of waste is produced annually. Waste taxes ecosystems, contributes to pollution, produces greenhouse gases, and can negatively impact human health. This has kickstarted research and innovation in this area, but we still have a long way to go.
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Water is the fundamental ingredient for life on Earth. It is a nonrenewable, finite resource that has become increasingly vulnerable due to climate change and population growth. Solutions are needed to conserve this vital resource.
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Biodiversity includes every living thing from plants to bacteria to animals and humans. Many of these species are declining due to human activities such as deforestation, pollution, habitat destruction, and over-exploitation.
October 25, 2022
Our built environment has a large impact on biodiversity, and current systems threaten to deplete ecosystem services, reduce biodiversity in cities, and create inequitable environmental disservices for urban residents. A sustainable built environment ensures people and nature can share spaces.
Read MoreMany species rely on the diverse ecologies of the land they inhabit. Land-use systems are encroaching on and polluting many of these ecosystems. Preservation of these vital, biodiverse ecosystems will require planning and innovative solutions.
Learn MoreLife cannot survive without water or a stable habitat. Sustainability issues such as the climate crisis, pollution and land use are changing water cycles and diminishing livable environments for numerous species.
Learn MoreConsumption patterns are one of the largest drivers of biodiversity loss. From deforestation to overfishing, our consumption patterns have a great effect on the ecosystems that support the diversity of life on Earth.
Learn MoreFood production has a tremendous impact on the planet’s biodiversity. From the eutrophication of our waterways to the clearing of our rainforests, our food production is directly tied to the abundance of the diversity of life on Earth.
Learn MoreNearly every business has an impact on biodiversity at some point in the company’s lifecycle. At the same time, many businesses rely on biodiversity to produce products and services. Solutions are needed to drive sustainability for both sides.
Learn MoreBiodiversity is essential to sustaining life here on Earth. This requires us to develop solutions that protect and foster biodiversity so that all life on Earth can thrive.
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The built environment consists of the physical structures and surroundings that humans construct. It includes houses, roads, subways, stadiums, shopping malls and other structures designed by humans. The built environment affects the natural environment through human activities such as building and demolition, transport infrastructure like highways and railroads as well as urban planning.
August 3, 2023
Navigating the world of sustainability in small business, education, and everyday life? We get it, it’s not easy being green. Sit in on the powerful conversations with the trailblazers who are walking the sustainable walk. Each episode packs inspirational ideas that will drive your passion for creating a better world for you and the people […]
Read MoreThe built environment is the physical structures that humans create and occupy. Land is the natural environment on which these structures are built. The two concepts are closely connected in that they both influence each other.
Learn MoreThe built environment has a profound impact on the community. For example, if the built environment is designed in a way that it facilitates social interactions, then the community will be more cohesive and connected. The built environment also impacts our mental health and well-being. If the built environment is designed in a way that it makes people feel safe and secure, then they will be more likely to thrive.
Learn MoreThe built environment is a key factor in determining the quality of life for all people, and it is also the focal point for many policy decisions. The built environment can be seen as a composite of various elements that include, but are not limited to, design, infrastructure, land use, and transportation. An effective policy that addresses the built environment should take into consideration all of these elements because they affect each other.
Learn MoreWhen we construct new buildings, the construction materials are often left over and discarded after the construction is completed. This leads to an increase in waste. We also need to take into consideration that the built environment includes everything from our homes to our offices and factories. This means that there is a lot of waste generated by these structures as well.
Learn MoreThe built environment is an important factor in the use of energy. Buildings and transportation are two major contributors to energy consumption.
Learn MoreThe built environment is a part of the human-made environment. It includes buildings, parks, gardens, roads and other man-made structures. The built environment has a significant effect on biodiversity. It affects the quality of life for humans and animals, for instance by providing shelter or food sources.
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Corporate sustainability is an approach aiming to create long-term stakeholder value through the implementation of a business strategy that focuses on the ethical, social, environmental, cultural, and economic dimensions of doing business.
August 7, 2023
“By creating Reusable Cloth Pads, We aim to combat the disposal of sanitary waste pollution associated with disposable products.” Bharti Singh Chauhan Bharti Singh Chauhan – Founder and CEO – PraveenLata Sansthan & CarversIndia Trades LLP 2022 WE Empower Finalist, Asia-Pacific Bharti Singh Chauhan is the founder and CEO of PraveenLata Sansthan & CarversIndia Trades […]
Read MoreConsumption is a driving force for business and is one of the greatest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Individual's carbon footprint as well as businesses reliance on fossil fuels is a critical sustainability issue. The top 15 food and beverage companies in the United States generate 630 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
Learn MorePolicy ultimately urges businesses to operate according to guidances and influences how businesses must track emissions, the types of energy businesses can use, and how products must be manufactured and distributed.
Learn MoreBusinesses small and large have a major impact on the environment. Shifting to more sustainable operations, however, can be a challenge for many. Greater awareness of all possible solutions will help businesses overcome these challenges.
Learn MoreCommunity is both the receiver of the benefits of business and also what businesses are comprised of. Business affects the shape of communities and how groups are represented.
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Climate influences everything from the livelihood of ecosystems to sea levels to cloud cover and even our food systems. Understanding how we’re impacting climate will help us make the changes necessary to support a sustainable Earth.
Earth is a fragile system. The slightest changes in average global temperature can be catastrophic for the majority of ecosystems. Research, knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation are needed to support a stable climate.
March 4, 2022
Sustainable Explainable is a new explainer series that unpacks the commonly used terms in the sustainability...
Energy production makes up approximately 73% of global carbon emissions. With clean energy alternatives and rethinking the way it's produced, transported and used, we can reduce the impact on the climate.
Learn MorePolicymakers globally are actively introducing regulations, incentives and taxes to guide municipalities, industries and businesses in lowering carbon emissions. Smart policymaking will be critical to creating a sustainable Earth.
Learn MoreBusinesses small and large are beginning to examine their carbon footprint and retool the way they operate to reduce their impact on the climate. This momentum will be critical to reaching climate goals.
Learn MoreFood production is a primary contributor to biodiversity loss, soil degradation and greenhouse gases, which impacts the Earth's ability naturally combat the climate crisis. Innovation in food production is needed to reduce the impact.
Learn MoreLand can either help or hurt the Earth's ability to create a stable climate. Through the preservation of natural habitats, we can sequester carbon and support the Earth in maintaining its natural balance.
Learn MoreThe disasters and impacts of the climate crisis have disproportionate impacts on those that have contributed least to the problem. This is a complex equity issue. We need to ensure that polluting developed nations invest in disaster mitigation for these communities, as well as give their voices a seat at the decision making table.
Learn MoreAlmost everything we consume has a carbon footprint. If we choose to consume products with high carbon footprints like meat, fast fashion, and single use plastics, it has a bigger negative impact on the planet's climate.
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It’s important in sustainability to build and connect with communities that are geared towards change. While it’s important to put pressure on governments and corporations to act on big issues, it’s also important to sustainability in your daily life. This involves fostering harmony, awareness, and intentionality in thought and behavior, which leads to responsible actions and continued growth
August 4, 2023
Tac-Maz Sustainable Ventures is a social enterprise that seeks to solve food insecurity across Malawi, which predominantly affects women who are marginalized due to high rates of domestic abuse.
Read MoreCommunities can come together to offer solutions for sustainability issues through education, policy, business, development, lifestyle, and so much more.
Learn MoreCommunities are responsible for ensuring equity within them. Creating equitable access to educational materials for children, students, businesses, and community members.
Learn MoreCommunities are governed by policy, while also choosing their political leaders who create these policies. Accurate education on policies, their impacts, and which ones should be introduced is important to ensure sustainable communities.
Learn MoreWhat produce is available to communities and how that food is distributed is important to ensure that people are eating healthy. Education revolving around healthy, sustainable food and where to get it is vital to sustainable communities.
Learn MoreAlmost all communities exist in built environments, like cities, neighborhoods, apartment buildings, schools, and much more. The built environment can affect a community and their access to resources such as food, education, comfort, and green spaces.
Learn MoreCommunities are affected directly or indirectly by the climate crisis. They also contribute to it in different ways. Education about a community's potential risks, contributions, and solutions to the climate crisis is a vital piece to create resiliency.
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Sustainable consumption is all about utilizing products and services in a way that will increase our quality of life while minimizing our impact on the environment. The goal is to reduce our use of natural resources and toxic materials so that we can reduce our carbon footprint, waste and pollution over the lifecycle of a product.
June 5, 2023
Celebrating World Environment Day It’s time to get together and celebrate the environment! June 5th is the 50th World Environment Day, where each year, the significance of transformative action from across the world is crucial to help people and the planet. This year’s World Environment Day is being hosted by Côte d’Ivoire in partnership with […]
Read MoreOur consumption habits directly impact the amount of waste that we produce. The more you buy as a consumer, the more waste that is produced. Majority of the products that we buy, from food, to clothes, to household items, come in plastic packaging that is waste. Also once you are finished using an item and discard it, it becomes waste.
Learn MoreWe use energy every day to light our favorite places, cook delicious food, heat us up, cool us off, and move us around. All of these are ways that we consume energy, and we need resrouces to generate electricity, heat, and motion.
Learn MoreWe consume food everyday. Most of the time, multiple times a day. And sometimes too many times a day. The type of food and how much food we consume has impacts on our health and environment through land, water, and chemical use.
Learn MoreWhen we shower, wash dishes, prepare food, and quench our thirst, we are consuming water. Our consumption of water goes beyond what comes out of the faucets at home. All of our food, clothes, and materials that we use need water to make.
Learn MoreNot everyone has the same access to consume healthy, affordable, and luxurious products. Sometimes the consumption of certain items can take away from other's ability to meet their needs.
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The way in which energy is produced, consumed and even transferred can have a negative or positive impact on the environment. By understanding the impact and the alternatives available, we can make more informed decisions and use energy in a way that doesn’t deplete the Earth.
May 1, 2023
“Our work helps farmers increase crop yields, diversify production, reduce waste and mitigate carbon emissions and creates direct employment at the last mile. These services have the potential for adoption by India’s 30 million diesel-reliant farmers.” Clementine Chambon Clementine Chambon – Co-founder & CTO – Oorja Development Solutions 2022 WE Empower Finalist, Asia-Pacific Clementine Chambon […]
Read MoreEnergy consumption infiltrates every area of life from the production of material goods and food to creating comfortable environments. Understanding consumption patterns and the environmental implications can help inform energy use.
Learn MoreThe built environment is a major contributor to, and consumer of, energy. With ongoing innovation in this area, we can continue to create built environments that are more efficient and even contribute positively to the planet.
Learn MoreCertain forms of energy contribute significantly to greenhouse gases. With continued exploration of alternative forms, we begin to shift consumption to more climate-positive clean energy.
Learn MoreBusinesses use energy to power commercial buildings, fuel fleet vehicles and even store data. With the smart use of offsets and clean energy options, there is an opportunity for businesses to contribute to conservation efforts.
Learn MoreGlobal food systems are driven primarily by non-renewable energy sources. Through the use of smart technology and by setting specific energy goals, we can make food systems more energy efficient.
Learn MoreEnergy supply relies on water and water supply relies on energy. Understanding the interrelationship between these two and methods for bringing more efficiency to both, we can find ways to conserve these important resources.
Learn MoreMost forms of energy create waste, but energy is also needed in waste management. Through innovative solutions, there are opportunities to turn this around––using waste to create energy.
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Equity refers to achieving fairness regarding access to environmental resources, bearing environmental burdens, and being involved in decision making regarding the environment.
August 7, 2023
“By creating Reusable Cloth Pads, We aim to combat the disposal of sanitary waste pollution associated with disposable products.” Bharti Singh Chauhan Bharti Singh Chauhan – Founder and CEO – PraveenLata Sansthan & CarversIndia Trades LLP 2022 WE Empower Finalist, Asia-Pacific Bharti Singh Chauhan is the founder and CEO of PraveenLata Sansthan & CarversIndia Trades […]
Read MoreBuilding equitable communities is essential for a just world. Communities can and have come together to vocalize issues impacting them to encourage positive change.
Learn MoreThe resources that we consume are unequally distributed whether its due to lack of access or overpricing.
Learn MoreLooking to address equity issues is complex. Creating solutions that consider the needs of all people, regardless of income, race, or religion, is essential.
Learn MoreImpacts of climate are unequally affecting people all over the planet. From increased heating creating extreme droughts, to ice melts leading to sea level rise, some people are more directly impacted by human-driven climate change than others. Protecting vulnerable populations from climate-related issues is essential.
Learn MoreBuilt spaces can provide safety and access to basic human needs, but unequal distribution of these spaces can negatively impact people. Considering community needs should be necessary in all built infrastructure.
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The global food system has a major impact on the health and vitality of the planet and people. Sustainable solutions are needed to produce, supply and provide equitable access to healthy, clean and sustainable food.
August 4, 2023
Tac-Maz Sustainable Ventures is a social enterprise that seeks to solve food insecurity across Malawi, which predominantly affects women who are marginalized due to high rates of domestic abuse.
Read MoreNaturally, land and food are intrinsically connected. Land is needed to grow that crops the fuel humans and animals.
Learn MoreWithin food systems, consumption is continuing to hit new records. Food consumption is at an all-time high due to population growth, but so too is the consumption of resources needed to produce food.
Learn MoreFood production relies on water––and tremendous amounts of it. Not only is it used to grow crops, but also in the processing and packaging of food products.
Learn MoreFood is a basic human need and having access to healthy, clean food is a fundamental human right. It must be accessible to all.
Learn MoreFood can be a powerful connector. It brings people together and can often serve as the glue that holds communities together.
Learn MoreFood production currently requires massive amounts of energy. Through innovation and circular solutions, we can begin to ease energy demands and find ways to use food waste to produce energy.
Learn MoreClimate change is significantly impacting food security. It has led to crop failures, water scarcity, and reduced agricultural production. Smart alternative methods will be key to sustainable food production.
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Land systems, which encompass land use, are pivotal to addressing sustainability issues including climate change, biodiversity conservation, equity, sustainable energy, and waste.
August 4, 2023
Tac-Maz Sustainable Ventures is a social enterprise that seeks to solve food insecurity across Malawi, which predominantly affects women who are marginalized due to high rates of domestic abuse.
Read MoreLand degradation is driving the decline of biodiversity and important ecosystems that are necessary to our existence. With smart biodiversity conservation methods, we can preserve, and in some cases, restore these vital ecologies.
Learn MoreLand use for development, transportation and infrastructure has significant environmental implications. Through a better understanding of how land use impacts the environment and human health, city planners can make more informed decisions.
Learn MoreLand use has a significant impact on the global climate. Smart land-use planning, governance, and prioritizing win-wins over tradeoffs will help mitigate the impacts on climate.
Learn MoreConsumption takes on many forms when it comes to land use––resource extraction, conversion of natural ecosystems to other uses, and developments and infrastructure to support population growth.
Learn MoreUrbanization of public land not only destroys natural environments and climates, but can create extreme inequities in those regions. Understanding how these actions impact life for all is needed to create a more equitable environment.
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Governments are responsible for creating laws, distributing money, and implementing taxes that help motivate all stakeholders to make sustainable choices. Stakeholders can help shape smart policymaking to drive sustainability forward.
August 2, 2022
Small businesses have a tremendous opportunity to make a big impact through small changes. When it comes to sustainability, there are a few misnomers that prevent many small businesses from ever pursuing it. In fact, many aren’t even aware that their business produces a carbon footprint until they begin to peel back the layers––even digital […]
Read MorePolicymaking in the areas of greenhouse gas emissions and infrastructure will continue to evolve and will have a profound impact on how societies live and function.
Learn MoreEnvironmental standards policies will shape the future of business and leaders must understand how they can use them to guide operations and steward a healthier future.
Learn MoreCommunities have the power to drive sustainability at the local and federal levels. Effectuating policy change, however, will require openness to alternative viewpoints, education on social issues, and taking time to understand others.
Learn MoreEnvironmental standards policies will shape the future of business and leaders must understand how they can use them to guide operations and steward a healthier future.
Learn MorePolicymaking in the areas of greenhouse gas emissions and infrastructure will continue to evolve and will have a profound impact on how societies live and function.
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It’s been said if a challenge exists, so must a solution. We’re facing massive challenges with the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and environmental justice, and must come together to find those solutions and cultivate innovative, powerful ideas.
August 7, 2023
“By creating Reusable Cloth Pads, We aim to combat the disposal of sanitary waste pollution associated with disposable products.” Bharti Singh Chauhan Bharti Singh Chauhan – Founder and CEO – PraveenLata Sansthan & CarversIndia Trades LLP 2022 WE Empower Finalist, Asia-Pacific Bharti Singh Chauhan is the founder and CEO of PraveenLata Sansthan & CarversIndia Trades […]
Read MoreDeveloping sustainability solutions require people to come together, and in turn, those solutions support communities by conserving valuable resources, preserving natural beauty and culture, and increasing well-being.
Learn MorePolicy is the backbone of sustainability solutions. Without it, there would be no order or accountability for sustainability.
Learn MoreAccess to healthy, clean environments must be a basic human right for all. Achieving that, however, will require solutions that foster inclusivity and accessibility to healthier alternatives.
Learn MoreBusinesses small and large have a major impact on the environment. Shifting to more sustainable operations is a challenge many companies currently face. They need solutions to help overcome the challenges that often impede these efforts.
Learn MoreThe built environment is one of the foremost contributors to waste and pollution. Remedying this will require the efforts of numerous stakeholders coming together to develop continuous sustainable solutions.
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Globally, over 2 billion tons of waste is produced annually. Waste taxes ecosystems, contributes to pollution, produces greenhouse gases, and can negatively impact human health. This has kickstarted research and innovation in this area, but we still have a long way to go.
August 3, 2023
Navigating the world of sustainability in small business, education, and everyday life? We get it, it’s not easy being green. Sit in on the powerful conversations with the trailblazers who are walking the sustainable walk. Each episode packs inspirational ideas that will drive your passion for creating a better world for you and the people […]
Read MoreConsumption without methods for recycling or loops for reuse contributes to waste. This is seen across fashion, food, the built environment, and the list goes on.
Learn MoreFood is the largest source of waste. The agriculture industry, consumers and businesses all contribute to food waste––food that is fit for human consumption but is discarded. Education and circular solutions are needed to reverse this trend.
Learn MoreThe built environment is another major contributor to global waste. It comes from all phases of a building’s lifecycle––the initial building, renovation, maintenance, and demolition.
Learn MoreWhere does the waste end up? The way waste is managed––or mismanaged––has severe health and quality of life impacts on communities, especially those located near incinerators, dumping grounds and other waste facilities.
Learn MoreBusinesses are often big drivers of waste, particularly those that produce or operate on a massive scale. More tools and strategies are needed to help businesses navigate and adopt more sustainable operations.
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Water is the fundamental ingredient for life on Earth. It is a nonrenewable, finite resource that has become increasingly vulnerable due to climate change and population growth. Solutions are needed to conserve this vital resource.
May 4, 2022
Key Takeaways: Millions of people, businesses, and animals rely on the Colorado River for water, but this valuable resource is at risk as demand exceeds the supply Arizona exports water to other states and countries in the form of grown agricultural products, despite 20 years of drought Personal water-conserving lifestyle choices and action from cities […]
Read MoreWater is a vital ingredient for life on Earth. Not only is it necessary for sustaining humans, animals and plant life, it is also consumed in the production of electricity, meat products, manufacturing, as well as agriculture.
Learn MoreThe production of food is a major consumer of water. It’s not just in agriculture, but also in the production of meat products, packaged goods, and even items like shelled almonds and walnuts.
Learn MoreWater is fundamental to life. But populations around the world don’t have access to clean drinking water or even wastewater services. Water equity will only be realized when all have access to, and can benefit from, clean water systems.
Learn MoreClimate has a big effect on water resources and vice versa. Water vapor is a primary greenhouse gas and therefore contributes to the Earth’s climate––and this has a significant impact on rainfall, droughts and even flooding.
Learn MoreWater is a nonrenewable resource and with only a small fraction of freshwater available to meet the needs of our growing population, innovative solutions are necessary for preserving it and ensuring equitable access for all.
Learn MoreEnergy is a key factor in the supply and demand of water. The availability of energy affects the number of people who can have access to potable water, which is a key factor in sustainable development.
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