Search Climate Insights Directory

The document outlines the AWS International Water Stewardship Standard, a voluntary, six-step framework designed to help businesses move from water risk concern to action. It emphasizes that sustainable water management requires a stakeholder-inclusive process that looks beyond a facility's 'fence line' to the broader catchment. The guide details the four desired outcomes of the standard—good water governance, sustainable water balance, good water quality status, and viable important water-related areas—and provides a step-by-step roadmap from initial commitment to public disclosure and certification.

The report argues that large-scale US dairies can reach net zero emissions within five years by integrating specific technologies and practices, potentially increasing annual net returns to $1.9 million per dairy. Key strategies include precision agriculture, feed additives to reduce enteric methane, and anaerobic digesters that convert manure and organic substrates into renewable energy and fertilizers. The analysis emphasizes that while technologies exist, achieving these goals requires significant policy shifts, such as expanded water quality trading markets and improved EPA processing of renewable fuel pathways.

California's agricultural industry, particularly in the Central Valley, is facing devastating impacts from a multi-year drought described as the worst in 1200 years. The Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) standard is being used by companies like Diageo (Blossom Hill winery) and Olam to move beyond basic efficiency toward comprehensive water stewardship. For Diageo, this involved creating an internal "Blue Team" of employees to identify water-saving measures and improve watershed awareness. For Olam, the AWS framework led to the implementation of wastewater treatment via Sudan grass, cascading cleaning systems, and the engineering of multi-crop equipment that enables farmers to invest in drip irrigation. Both companies used the AWS standard to translate global corporate water commitments into local action by recognizing water as a shared resource.

Australia is experiencing a catastrophic bushfire season driven by record temperatures and drought, with over 10 million hectares burned as of January 11. The fires have caused significant human casualties, destroyed thousands of homes, and led to the predicted death of billions of animals, including over 50% of the koala population on Kangaroo Island. WWF is responding by providing urgent care for injured wildlife, implementing science-based habitat restoration, and working with Indigenous and rural communities to improve future fire response and resiliency based on climate science.

The report outlines the essential structural elements of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, detailing how the choice of Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) systems, operational responsibilities, cost coverage, financial models, fee structures, and funding mechanisms influence environmental and economic outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of harmonization across jurisdictions and the use of eco-modulated fees to incentivize sustainable packaging design.

The document outlines the existential threat of climate change, specifically noting impacts in the US such as droughts in California and wildfires in the West. It advocates for a transition to a 100% renewable energy supply by 2050, urging US corporations to set science-based targets and reaffirm support for the Paris Climate Agreement. Additionally, it provides a detailed list of energy-saving actions for individuals to implement at home and in the workplace to reduce their carbon footprint.

The report highlights that over one-quarter of global irrigated food production relies on unsustainable groundwater extraction, leading to land subsidence, saltwater intrusion, and ecological damage. It proposes four key strategies for sustainable management: measuring and managing data, setting sustainable extraction limits, enhancing recharge through managed and nature-based solutions, and reducing demand through crop shifting or fallowing. The authors emphasize that strong water governance and local partnerships are essential to implement these technical solutions effectively.

The document outlines the existential threat of climate change, specifically noting impacts in the US such as droughts in California and hurricanes along the eastern seaboard. It advocates for a transition to a 100% renewable energy supply by 2050 through reduced energy demand and the adoption of sustainable energy sources. The guide provides specific actionable advice for individuals to reduce energy consumption at home and at work, and urges US corporations to set science-based climate targets and reaffirm support for the Paris Climate Agreement.

The document examines desalination as a potential water source for Cape Town, noting that while it provides a rainfall-independent supply, it is often the most expensive option and carries significant energy and environmental costs. It details existing small-scale plants in South African municipalities and warns against over-investing in large-scale facilities based on experiences in Australia.

The document details water stress in cities including São Paulo, Mexico City, Karachi, Los Angeles, Nairobi, Brisbane, and Seville, highlighting the roles of poor planning, climate-driven drought, and infrastructure failure. It advocates for a transition to climate-resilient water budgets through demand reduction, diversified water sources, and improved governance to avoid 'Day Zero' scenarios.