By Chris Hancock
In California, an economically critical region, the evidence of a mounting water crisis is clear. Over the past decade, a group of first movers has shown what is possible with corporate water stewardship. But participation from a broader and more diverse set of companies is needed to address complex, entrenched, and large-scale water challenges. Here are three recommendations to accelerate the pace and scale of corporate water stewardship actions in pursuit of a water-resilient future:
1. Grow the movement
There are still many companies with impacts and dependencies on water that are not yet engaged in corporate water stewardship. They may be unaware of this work, uncertain about the business value of taking action on water, or unfamiliar with opportunities to get involved. Now a second wave of adopters is needed to show that this is not just a passing fad—it is imperative for business.
2. Evolve strategies
As companies implement water stewardship programs and gain a better understanding of how water intersects with their business, an evolution toward more contextual and locally relevant approaches is expected. Over time, goals and targets should evolve to include more transformative actions that catalyze larger solutions and demonstrate progress.
3. Deepen and expand partnerships
Coordinated action in pursuit of shared goals across sectors is needed to address complex water challenges, leveraging the strengths and influences of different voices and perspectives. The systemic nature of water challenges, and the reality of water as a shared resource, means that long-term collaboration and coordinated action are necessary to achieve resilience.
By growing the corporate water stewardship movement, evolving strategies and success metrics, and expanding the partnerships needed to support it, the private sector can accelerate the pace, scale, and impact of action on water. Learn more in the Pacific Institute white paper, “Advancing Corporate Water Stewardship: Insights from the California Experience.”