Climate and Water
Climate change is fundamentally altering the hydrologic cycle, from changes in extreme droughts and floods, to melting snow and ice, to impacts on water quality and disadvantaged communities. The Pacific Institute assesses climate change’s impacts on water, identifies climate adaptation strategies, and offers ways to incorporate climate and water issues into water planning and management.
Safe and Affordable Water
Today, the UN estimates 2.1 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water and 4.5 billion people lack safely managed sanitation services. The Pacific Institute focuses on expanding universal access to sanitation and safe and affordable water, working with governments, community organizations, and businesses to advance the 2030 UN sustainable development goals of meeting water, sanitation, and hygiene targets for all, worldwide.
Corporate Water Stewardship
Companies around the world increasingly recognize that the world’s water challenges pose significant risks to communities, ecosystems, and their own operations. They also acknowledge that they have an important role to play in advancing water security by managing their water use and wastewater discharge, engaging in collective action and responsible water governance discussions, and contributing to increased access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. Through its water stewardship projects and work with the UN Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate, the Pacific Institute encourages companies around the world to commit to water stewardship action.
Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems
The world’s freshwater resources are under increasing threat from the impacts of climate change, population growth, and pollution. As the global population grows, a persistent challenge is how to access enough water to meet humanity’s needs while also preserving the integrity of aquatic ecosystems. The Pacific Institute works on water resource issues around the globe, collaborating with stakeholders to ensure communities and nature have the water they need to thrive now and in the future.
Water-Smart Cities
Fifty-five percent of the world’s population lives in cities, and that number is expected to grow. With increasing urbanization, the need and opportunity for cities to innovate toward water solutions is growing. The Pacific Institute is at the forefront of exploring sustainable water solutions for urban centers around the world, demonstrating the value of water-use efficiency and alternative water supplies, including rainwater, stormwater, and water reuse. We are fostering resilience by advancing integrated and inclusive water systems that ensure water sustainability for cities.
Sustainable Agriculture
Agriculture uses approximately 70% of the world’s freshwater supply, and water managers are under mounting pressure to produce more food and fibre for a growing population while also reducing water waste and pollution and responding to a changing climate. The Pacific Institute conducts research and works with innovative agricultural partners to identify and scale strategies to improve water management and ensure a vibrant agricultural system and food security for current and future generations.