SEPTEMBER 2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pacific Institute and CEO Water Mandate at 79th UN General Assembly 

The 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) represents a powerful opportunity to mobilize action to build a water resilient future. The CEO Water Mandate and Water Resilience Coalition are in New York City this week to discuss the contributions the private sector is making to achieve net positive water impact in 100 priority basins globally. 

The CEO Water Mandate is an initiative of the UN Global Compact and the Pacific Institute that works to mobilize a critical mass of business leaders to address global water challenges. Stay tuned for insights from UNGA. 

Pacific Institute Launches 2023 Impact Report 

2023 was a landmark year at the Pacific Institute as we accelerated action on water resilience. These efforts have informed policies, influenced public discourse, and mobilized global action and investments toward a more sustainable water future. 

Our latest Impact Report “Catalyzing Global Action for Water Resilience,” invites you into this story. Through evidence-based research and global collaboration, we are tangibly working toward our goal of "catalyzing the transformation to water resilience by 2030." 

Water Conflict Chronology Finds Violence Over Water Rises by 50% in 2023 

2023 was a record year for violence over water across the globe, with a 50% increase in 2023 compared to 2022 (347 vs. 231). 

The Pacific Institute recently released a major update to our Water Conflict Chronology featured in Forbes, The Guardian, Los Angeles Times, and WBUR Here & Now, among others. This comprehensive, open-source database now includes over 300 new instances of conflict related to water resources and systems. The updated Chronology reveals a disturbing increase in intentional attacks on civilian water systems. 

CEO Water Mandate Launches New Water Resilience Assessment Framework 

Last month, the CEO Water Mandate launched its new "Water Resilience Assessment Framework Guidance for Basin Managers and Planning Authorities." This guidance is part of a three-document series tailored for specific stakeholders to address water resilience. 

By identifying the challenges, from gradual droughts to sudden floods, this third and final WRAF guidance empowers basin managers and planning authorities (BMPA) to develop effective resilience strategies. Researchers, water professionals, and community groups can leverage this framework to develop better tools and best practices for building resilient water systems everywhere. 

HIGHLIGHTS

Pacific Institute and CEO Water Mandate Showcase Innovative Water Resilience Solutions at Stockholm World Water Week

The Pacific Institute and CEO Water Mandate were featured this year at SIWI’s World Water Week in Stockholm. Our involvement this year spanned an extensive array of vital topics, such as enhancing water resilience through data to support peace and security, scaling nature-based solutions, and promoting business action for sustainable water management.  

Our team left the week inspired by the knowledge that water resilience has never been more critical.

Pacific Institute Researchers Co-Host Webinar on Untapped Potential of Stormwater Capture

Last month, Pacific Institute Director of Research Heather Cooley and Senior Researchers Dr. Bruk Berhanu and Shannon Spurlock were featured in a webinar titled, “Realizing the Untapped Potential for Stormwater Capture and Reuse Across the U.S.”

Co-hosted with the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance and the WateReuse Association, participants learned about the national landscape and potential opportunities to advance stormwater capture and use. The conversation built upon research from a recent Pacific Institute report.

California Legislature Approves Creation of Salton Sea Conservancy

Last month, the California State Senate passed Senate Bill 583, creating the Salton Sea Conservancy with bipartisan support. This vital step aims to protect the health of local communities and restore the ecosystem around the Salton Sea.

Michael Cohen, Pacific Institute Senior Researcher and Salton Sea expert, emphasizes the importance of this legislation, stating it will help manage critical habitat and dust-suppression projects, benefiting public and environmental health. The Pacific Institute has long-standing work in the Salton Sea.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Dr. Bruk Berhanu Featured at WaterSmart Innovations Conference 

This week, Pacific Institute Senior Researcher Dr. Bruk Berhanu is presenting at the WaterSmart Innovations Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

His sessions will highlight “Untapped Potential: A National Assessment of the Potential for Urban Water Efficiency” and “Reimagining Albuquerque’s Landscapes: Non-Functional Turf Transformation - Geospatial Analysis.”

Giuliana Chaves Moreira Featured at 10^th GEF Biennial International Waters Conference

This week, Pacific Institute Research Associate Giuliana Chaves Moreira is presenting at the 10^th GEF Biennial International Waters Conference (IWC10) in Punta Del Este, Uruguay.

Her session, “How to leverage NBS to enhance synergies and scalability for Transboundary Water Resilience?” highlights the business case for investment in Nature-based solutions and is co-convened with UNDP, UNIDO, and TNC.

Shannon Spurlock to be Featured at WEFTEC

Next month, Pacific Institute Senior Researcher of Public Policy and Practice Uptake Shannon Spurlock will be featured at WEFTEC in New Orleans, LA.

Her session will highlight “Green versus Grey OR Green and Grey: Advancing a Holistic Approach When Considering Decentralized and Distributed Water Solutions.”

RECAP

Dr. Bruk Berhanu and Shannon Spurlock Featured at StormCon

Last month, Pacific Institute Senior Researchers Dr. Bruk Berhanu and Shannon Spurlock were featured at StormCon in Reno, NV. Their sessions focused on recent Pacific Institute research that finds an untapped potential for stormwater in the US and methods for integrating stormwater capture into water supply plans.

Shannon Spurlock Featured at 2024 WateReuse California Annual Conference

This month, Pacific Institute Senior Researcher of Public Policy and Practice Uptake Shannon Spurlock was featured at the 2024 WateReuse California Annual Conference in Garden Grove, California.

Her sessions “Achieving Social Equity in Water Reuse,” and “A Countywide Regional Water and Wastewater Committee Promotes Reuse” highlighted the benefits and impacts of water reuse measures. 

IN THE NEWS

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

Forbes

Water-Related Conflict on the Rise Across the World, Study Finds

The Guardian

Global Surge of Water-Related Violence Led by Israeli Attacks on Palestinian Supplies – Report

Here & Now

Violence Over Water Is Rising

LA Times

Violence Over Water Is on the Rise Globally. A Record Number of Conflicts Erupted in 2023

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