AUGUST 2023

HIGHLIGHTS

Pacific Institute Launches Impact Reports Highlighting Global Influence in Corporate Water Stewardship

For more than 20 years, the Pacific Institute has mobilized the private sector to act on critical water issues. Two new impact reports now tell the story and share the data about the outcomes of this work. 

The Pacific Institute recently released an impact report for the Water Resilience Coalition, a CEO-led initiative to elevate action on water to the top of corporate agendas. The report highlights significant momentum to scale corporate water solutions, including progress on the new 2030 strategy to achieve positive water impact in 100 basins and ensure equitable WASH access for 300 million people.

We also released an impact report for the CEO Water Mandate, a partnership between the United Nations Global Compact and the Pacific Institute, now with more than 240 endorsing companies worldwide.

Both reports underscore the vital contributions the private sector can make to building a more water resilient future.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pacific Institute Senior Researcher Co-Authors U.S. EPA Report on Water Reuse in Underserved Communities

Underserved communities in the United States often struggle with water management issues such as aging infrastructure, financial constraints, and a rapidly changing climate, leading to serious water security concerns. 

A new report ‘Lessons for Optimizing the Adoption of Water Reuse in Underserved Communities’ from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now available. Co-authored by Pacific Institute Senior Researcher of Public Policy & Practice Uptake Shannon Spurlock, the report is part of the National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP) Action 8.5. The report underscores the transformative potential of technical assistance, while highlighting the critical role of tailored water management approaches in combating the unique challenges these communities face. 

Pacific Institute Showcasing Innovative Water Resilience Solutions at Stockholm World Water Week

Stockholm World Water Week is a central annual event for urgent dialogues on water issues worldwide. Based on 35 years of thought leadership, the Pacific Institute has been front and center in a series of events throughout the week.

Building on the insights and momentum from the historic March 2023 UN Water Conference and our commitment to the Water Action Agenda, we are dedicated to fostering new forms of collaboration. Our participation extends across a range of key issues, including financing water innovations, promoting collective action for water stewardship, and implementing nature-based solutions to strengthen urban climate resilience. 

Pacific Institute to Join Global Leaders at UN General Assembly & Climate Week Events in New York

Next month, the Pacific Institute will join global leaders at events part of the UN General Assembly and Climate Week in New York City. Building on momentum from the UN 2023 Water Conference.

The UN General Assembly and Climate Week NYC unite business leaders, public servants, change makers, and civil society representatives from all over the world.

Read more from Pacific Institute leadership on our goal to catalyze the transformation to water resilience.

EVENTS

Heather Cooley to Present at California Water Efficiency Partnership Fall Plenary

On August 31, Pacific Institute Director of Research Heather Cooley will present at the 2023 Fall Plenary for California Water Efficiency Partnership. Cooley’s session, 'Water Efficiency’s Role in Meeting CA’s Climate Goals' will discuss water efficiency efforts in California and beyond.

This event will feature workshops with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Department of Water Resources, and the State Water Resources Control Board.

Recap: Pacific Institute's Dr. Christine Curtis Presents at Water Efficiency and Conservation Symposium

This month, Pacific Institute Research Associate Dr. Christine Curtis was a panelist at the Water Efficiency and Conservation Symposium hosted by Alliance for Water Efficiency.

Her session, 'Water Efficiency: Exploring Equitable & Effective Solutions to Address Affordability' explored how utility-led water programs are addressing affordability challenges in the U.S.

Dr. Curtis states, "It is evident that understanding, trust, and collaboration are essential in making water both affordable and valued. I can't wait to dive deeper into the topic in our 'Water Research Foundation 5179' project on water affordability for both utilities and communities."

Recap: Salton Sea Public Health Webinar

This month, Pacific Institute Senior Researcher Michael Cohen convened a distinguished panel of experts on Salton Sea public health concerns.  As California’s largest lake, the Salton Sea stretches across almost 35 miles in a remote, below sea-level valley in the southeastern corner of the state.

The webinar aimed to improve understanding of public health in the Salton Sea region among agency staff, stakeholders, and the public - with a specific focus on the health of nearby residents. The Pacific Institute has played an active role on Salton Sea issues, including releasing major science-based reports, for more than 25 years. Learn more about our work in this area here.

IN THE NEWS

The Pacific Institute is frequently turned to by the world's most influential media outlets to provide expert, science-based insights on water challenges and solutions. Here are just a few of the media highlights from the past month.

Los Angeles Times

I Love My Grassy Yard. Should That Make Me Feel Guilty?

The Salt Lake Tribune

Getting Colorado River Water From California Farms Will Take More Than Just Money – Just Ask the Farmers

USA Today

Climate Change Warning Signs Started in the 1800s. Here’s What Humanity Knew and When.

USA Today

Weeks After a Dam Was Blown up in Ukraine, the Collapse Continues to Cause Strife

The Washington Post

Here’s Where Water Is Running Out in the World — And Why

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