August 2014: Tighter links and collaboration among the water and energy communities are necessary to meet higher demands for water and energy, achieve sustainable economic development and eradicate extreme poverty, according to a report published by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) in advance of 2014 World Water Week. The 2014 World Water Week report, titled ‘Energy and Water: The Vital Link for a Sustainable Future,’ discusses key challenges and opportunities facing the energy and water communities and aims to provide a “take-off point” for increased collaboration among the two communities.

The report highlights some of the challenges in bringing together the water and energy communities, including economic, institutional and technical asymmetries between the sectors. For instance, efficiency is a driving force for development in the energy sector while the water sector is generally characterized by overuse or inefficient use.

The report discusses, inter alia: an evolution from dialogue to partnership among the water and energy communities; sustainable hydropower within the context of water and energy security; creating synergies and balancing tradeoffs among forest, water and carbon storage within the context of climate change; water and energy in urban settings; and the interdependence of energy and water. Key findings include the importance of: holistic, integrated thinking; including ecosystems in the water and energy nexus; and viewing wastewater as a resource.

The future development agenda “must effectively value water as an asset for human development and maintenance of a productive and resilient Earth system.” The report highlights, inter alia: the importance of valuing, managing and preserving freshwater and its services; and the value of ecosystems in enhancing livelihoods, reducing poverty and maintaining biodiversity. It stresses that progress is still needed in providing safe, affordable drinking water and adequate sanitation. The report recommends a dedicated Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on water as well as addressing and integrating water into SDGs on energy, climate change, food security and health.

World Water Week will take place in Stockholm, Sweden, from 31 August to 5 September under the theme ‘Energy and Water.’ [World Water Week Press Release] [Publication: Energy and Water: The Vital Link for a Sustainable Future]