Launched in support of the United Nation’s World Water Day, Water UK is working as an official partner to the Race to Zero campaign to encourage providers of water and wastewater services to commit to achieving net zero ahead of the COP26 Climate Conference this November.
The Race to Zero is a global campaign which aims to unite leadership across businesses, cities, regions and investors for a zero carbon recovery. Water companies around the world are being called on to join forces and transform their approach to tackling the carbon emissions associated with supplying water to billions of homes every year.
Water UK was the first industry trade body to be made one of the 20 official partners to the campaign having published the world’s first detailed plan to deliver a net zero water supply for customers by 2030.
Water UK Chief Executive, Christine McGourty said: “All eyes are on the UK as we prepare to host this year’s COP summit so we’re incredibly proud to be playing our part and mobilising water companies around the world on the Race to Zero. We don’t have all the answers, but we are committed to sharing our learnings with the global water community, and with other sectors, as they embark on their own net zero journeys.”
The water sector’s goal is to mobilise major water companies responsible for 20% of global water supply, with the aim of delivering the full decarbonisation of water and wastewater services in 20 countries by 2030.
COP26 High Level Climate Champion, Nigel Topping said: “We cannot win the Race to Zero emissions by racing alone. Private sector leaders will need to work in partnership and commit their skills, ingenuity and resources to achieving crucial Breakthroughs – and I’m delighted to see the water industry leading the way.”
Global water utilities are currently responsible for almost 2% of greenhouse gas emissions, a figure that is set to more than double by 2040 as growing demand for ever more scarce water supplies drives reliance on energy-intensive sources of water supply such as desalination, large water transfers and more treatment. It is predicted that demand for water worldwide will exceed sustainable supply by 40% by 2030.
