New York, United States – March 22, 2023 – Water security worldwide faces threats from poor water provisioning and the accelerating effects of climate change.  Although drought-prone communities and nations clearly face the most imminent dangers, the need for water security is becoming increasingly widespread.  According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), “…without altering current levels of water consumption and pollution, almost half of the world’s population will suffer severe water stress by 2030.”

The side event featured private and public sector speakers highlighting the critical role of water reuse and desalination solutions in building water security. As well, Marty Durbin, Senior Vice President, Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, announced the launch of a Global Industrial Water Reuse Champions Award.

“To achieve greater water sustainability, we have to find ways to encourage the industry to reuse more water.  That is why I’m proud and excited that Veolia will participate in this program to honor the world’s top industrial reuse initiatives,” said Jon Freedman, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs & Policy, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions.

The UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” by 2030, was established in 2015.  But the progress has been slow, and the adverse consequences disproportionately impact vulnerable populations and nations.  Speakers discussed innovative water security strategies through desalination, reuse, and effective implementation of these solutions.

Distinguished speakers included;

Expert Panelists:

“Climate change is a water crisis. Developing, deploying, and strengthening water security strategies through industrial water reuse and water-positive commitments and deploying innovative desalination and water reuse solutions coupled, when possible, with renewable energy is imperative across the globe,” said Shannon McCarthy, Secretary General of the International Desalination and Reuse Association.  “We must continually push innovation and drive new technology to offset the inevitable impacts of water scarcity. IDRA is pleased to collaborate with the US Chamber of Commerce, US EPA, Water Reuse Association, and key private and public stakeholders.”Water scarcity due to climate challenges is a risk to companies and the communities where they operate. Water reuse and desalination solutions offer opportunities for businesses to promote resilience to benefit the economy and the environment.  The Chamber is pleased to collaborate with our partners at IDRA, WateReuse, the Penn Water Center, and Veolia to showcase the important role of the private sector in addressing these challenges, said Marty Durbin, Senior Vice President for Policy at the Chamber.

The event also included contributions from one of the inaugural Industrial Water Reuse Champions Award winners, PepsiCo, who presented their experience and projects.

Collaborative partners included Veolia, the WateReuse Association, the Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

 

About International Desalination and Reuse Association

The International Desalination and Reuse Association, established in 1973, is the point of connection for the global desalination and water reuse community. A non-profit association, IDRA serves members in more than 60 countries and reaches an additional 15 affiliate member organizations, both regional and national. Its membership comprises scientists, developers, off-takers, regulators, end-users, engineers, consultants, media, and researchers from governments, corporations, and academia. The IDRA works to promote water scarcity solutions as an NGO with recognized consultative status by the United Nations ECOSOC, and a member of the UN Water Special Framework for Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG) hosted by the UN FAO Land and Water Division.

About U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce of the United States is the world’s largest business organization. Our members range from the small businesses and chambers of commerce across the country that support their communities to the leading industry associations and global corporations that innovate and solve the world’s challenges, to the emerging and fast-growing industries that are shaping the future. For all of the people across the businesses we represent, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a trusted advocate, partner, and network, helping them improve society and people’s lives.