Issue Brief: Water Resilience
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In conjunction with the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), the Pacific Institute launched an issue brief on water resilience. Featured in the Los Angeles Times, the brief defines “water resilience” as "the ability of water systems to function so that nature and people — including those on the frontlines and disproportionately impacted — thrive under shocks, stresses, and change."
Read the brief here. Read the blog post here.
View the video "Pacific Institute: An Urgent Call to Build Water Resilience" here.
Listen to the waterloop podcast "Resilience Is More Than a Buzzword" featuring President Jason Morrison and Director of Research Heather Cooley here.
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Update from the CEO Water Mandate: Leadership and Partnership at COP26
The Pacific Institute is Co-Secretariat of the CEO Water Mandate, a UN Global Compact initiative that mobilizes business leaders to take action on water, sanitation, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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Five sessions, a new partner, and a single shared future. The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow saw not only the announcement of UNICEF's official partnership with the CEO Water Mandate, but also the launch of the Water Stewardship Acceleration Forum; CEO Water Mandate co-convened discussions on nature-based solutions, climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene, and private sector water resilience; and the introduction of the Water Resilience Assessment Framework to the climate community.
Review the events and watch the recordings here.
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Elevating Water on the Climate Agenda at COP26 |
Recognizing the pivotal role of COP26 in advancing water on the global climate agenda, the Pacific Institute convened and collaborated in a number of Water Pavilion sessions at the conference.
In "Water Pathways to Reduce Energy Use and GHG Emissions," Pacific Institute Director of Research Heather Cooley highlighted new research showing how climate change places pressure on water resources and how water decisions impact energy usage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
In its role as co-secretariat of the CEO Water Mandate, the Pacific Institute continued to draw attention to the urgent need for water resilience in the age of climate change throughout COP26, convening sessions for a range of global stakeholders, from frontline communities to CEOs. Session topics ranged from nature-based solutions for water and climate resilience to ensuring access to water, sanitation, and hygiene in a changing climate.
View "Water Pathways to Reduce Energy Use and GHG Emissions" featuring Heather Cooley here (7:34).
View the other Pacific Institute COP26 event recordings here.
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Issue Brief: The U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Water Components
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On November 5th, the U.S. Congress passed major bipartisan infrastructure bill HR 3684, the ‘‘Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.” President Biden is expected to sign the $1.2 trillion bill into law today. “The new Infrastructure Act provides a shift away from the 20th century primary focus on building major dams and water diversions,” write Dr. Peter Gleick, Dr. Amanda Bielawski, and Heather Cooley. “It moves toward a more sustainable and resilient approach...”
Read the issue brief here.
Read the blog post "The U.S. Infrastructure Plan: Water Components" here.
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Report: Water for a Growing Bay Area: How the Region Can Grow Without Increasing Water Demand
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If the San Francisco Bay Area grows as projected, the region’s water use could increase by 50% by 2070. This would be catastrophic for the environment and affordability of water bills. Jointly produced by SPUR and the Pacific Institute, this report shows the Bay Area can prevent — and even decrease — this projected water usage while accommodating sizable and necessary growth. The key is investment in efficiency and prioritizing compact infill housing.
Read the San Francisco Examiner op-ed "Does the Bay Area Have the Water It Needs to Grow?" here.
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Article: Managing Water and Climate Risk with Renewable Energy
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Dwindling supplies of freshwater pose a material business risk. This article, co-authored by Pacific Institute President Jason Morrison, explores the tremendous value of renewable energy for businesses. Besides helping businesses reduce risk, renewable power can help relieve local water stress. Beneficial renewable energy practices include sourcing a larger share of grid power from renewable sources and installing renewable-generation capacity.
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Article: Freshwater Scarcity
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An unavoidable consequence of climate change is fundamental changes to the water cycle. Understanding different forms of water scarcity is vital for moving toward more sustainable management and use of freshwater. This article by Dr. Peter Gleick and Heather Cooley of the Pacific Institute provides a review of concepts, definitions, metrics, and indicators of water scarcity. It includes strategies for reducing the consequences of water scarcity.
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Testimony: Colorado River Drought Conditions and Response Measures
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Senior Researcher Michael Cohen submitted written testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife for its October 20, 2021 hearing on drought conditions in the Colorado River Basin and potential response measures. Cohen described the drying of the American West, the exemplary efforts of many Colorado River water users to adapt to these conditions, and the compelling need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions since adaptation will not be sufficient.
Read the full testimony here.
Learn about the Pacific Institute's policy work here.
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Upcoming Briefings, Webinars, and Events |
During the 2011-2017 California drought, emergency regulations, including conservation mandates, helped California manage its water resources. Since then, new legislation was signed to “Make Conservation a Way of Life” for all water users, improving the efficiency of water use, and using less of it permanently. Join Research Associate Dr. Sonali Abraham and a panel of experts for a deep dive into urban water conservation in policy and practice.
December 1 I 4:30pm PT
Language: English
Learn more and register here.
Learn more about the Pacific Institute's work on California drought policy here.
The AWS Global Water Stewardship Forum 2021 will bring stakeholders together from around the world to share knowledge and learning on the evolution of water stewardship practice. Senior Researcher Dr. Gregg Brill will join a panel of experts discussing "Tools to Inform Water Stewardship Investments in Nature-Based Solutions."
December 2 I 10:00am PT
Language: English
Learn more and register here.
Learn more about the Pacific Institute's work on nature-based solutions here.
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The Pacific Institute is Hiring! |
With expertise ranging from hydroclimatology to environmental health and engineering, our staff and researchers work to produce data-based solutions that lead to real on-the-ground change.
Our current openings:
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#GivingTuesday Matching Gift |
November 30, 2021, is #GivingTuesday, a global day of philanthropy designed to drive an influx of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world.
This year, we have an opportunity to leverage #GivingTuesday with a generous matching gift offer from Pacific Institute Board members. Gifts made on November 30, 2021, will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000! If you are considering a gift to the Pacific Institute this year, #GivingTuesday is a great way to double the impact of your support and participate in a global day of giving.
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Matching Gift to Help Build a Resilient Water Future |
At the Pacific Institute, we believe our mission – to create and advance solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges – has never been more critical.
Whether clean water at the tap, irrigation for farming, or healthy lakes, rivers, and streams for recreation, wildlife, and thriving ecosystems, we need clean, safe, affordable, and reliable water now and for future generations.
Right now, we have an incredible opportunity to accelerate our water resilience work before the end of the year. Between now and December 31st, Pacific Institute Board members have generously offered to match all contributions, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000.
Please help leverage the impact of this matching gift offer by making the most generous gift you can today. Your investment will have twice the impact to help build a water resilient future. Thank you!
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Pacific Institute in the News |
Los Angeles Times: As Climate Talks Put Focus on Water Crisis, the Colorado River Provides a Stark Example
Los Angeles Times: Newsom Declares Statewide Drought Emergency, Urges California to Conserve Water
CalMatters: Newsom Declares Drought Emergency Across California
Bloomberg: Meet Six People Fighting Water Scarcity Across the Globe
Prism: California’s Drought Emergency Puts the State’s Vulnerable Communities at Risk — Again
The Inquirer: New Study Shows California’s Water Usage Is Contributing to Rise of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
AgriPulse: Energy Needs to Be Part of SGMA Conversation, New Report Says
Read more news featuring Pacific Institute research and experts here.
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Help create and advance solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges. |
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