Idomeni, Greece – 2016/03/03: A child drinks water from the tap while waiting for the chance to cross , [+]
More than three-quarters of Americans are more concerned about access to clean and safe water than other climate-related issues, according to a new international study.
The EcoLab Watermark study found that access to clean and safe water is a paramount concern for consumers in every region of the world.
The survey, conducted in partnership with Morning Consult, found that 81% of people surveyed in the US are concerned about access to clean and safe water.
And they also believe that businesses and governments have the highest level of responsibility when it comes to funding water conservation.
Additionally, nearly two-thirds (65%) of those surveyed in the US agreed that businesses and manufacturers lack clear guidance and plans to deal with water scarcity.
And even though less than half of American consumers believe that business and government leaders care about climate change or water conservation, 70% are optimistic that water scarcity can be effectively addressed.
In Latin America, 92% of respondents said they were more concerned about access to clean and safe water than other climate-related issues such as pollution or climate change, while in China the figure was 85%.
According to the study, consumers are willing to stop purchasing products that require significant amounts of water to produce, as well as pay more for goods that are made using sustainable business practices, especially In IMEA (88%).
And according to the study, an average of three in four respondents worldwide believed water scarcity could be effectively addressed, with optimism most pronounced in Latin America (84%).
According to the World Resources Institute, the planet will face 56% water scarcity by 2030, and 1.6 billion people will lack access to safely managed drinking water by 2023.
“If the industry is unwilling to advocate for and develop climate and water solutions that protect our communities, we will continue to foster consumer sentiment that we will not do enough,” said Emilio Tenuta, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer at Ecolab. Not working.” a statement.
“By focusing solely on water and consumer perceptions of the ongoing crisis, the EcoLab Watermark study provides unique insight into what stakeholders – whether government, business, NGOs or even individuals – are critical of.” Where and how we can work together to successfully solve global challenges.
Will Sarni, founder and chief executive of consultancy Water Foundry, said in an email that the real question for customers and consumers is whether they will actually pay for access to safe drinking water through 21st-century infrastructure and public policies.
“I believe the opportunity for the private sector is to leverage what they do best; “Innovation, investment and engagement with our workforce and communities to address our water challenges that impact economic development, business growth, ecosystem health and social well-being,” Sarni said.
Earlier this month, WWF also published a new study warning that nature and people in Europe are increasingly suffering from water scarcity due to decades of water mismanagement and degradation of freshwater ecosystems. Are.
It calls for a new climate adaptation agenda that prioritizes nature-based solutions to protect Europeans from climate threats such as drought.
And it also urges the rapid adoption of EU nature restoration legislation to retain water in the landscape through free-flowing rivers and restored wetlands and floodplains.
The senior water policy official said, “If we don’t begin to restore nature to retain water in the landscape – in floodplains, wetlands, free-flowing rivers and groundwater – we will lose agriculture, drinking water and healthy ecosystems. will face serious shortages in the future.” The officer, Claire Baffert, said in a statement.
