World Water Day 2014: Council voices commitment to Water and Energy linkages
Marseille, 21 March 2014 – On 22 March, the World Water Council will celebrate the World Water Day 2014 to raise a common voice on Water and Energy. The theme of World Water Day 2014 brings to light the interdependence of water and energy. While energy generation and transmission requires the utilization of water resources, the actual pumping, treating and transporting of water to consumers uses up about 8% of global energy generation. “This year’s theme is in line with one of the Council’s strategic focuses for solving future water security challenges,” says Benedito Braga, President of the World Water Council. In May 2013, the Council initiated a partnership with Electricité de France (EDF) to understand in a two-pronged approach the multiple links between water and energy. The partnership extends the work initiated in 2011 for the 6th World Water Forum and will last until 2015 when the outcomes will be presented at the 7th Forum in Korea. The Council is also currently entering into an agreement with the World Energy Council (WEC), through the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding. By using the expertise of both organizations, this cooperation effort will serve to further analyze and comprehend water and energy interactions and to encourage harmonized water and energy policies. “Water needs energy and energy needs water,” summarizes President Braga. “By the year 2050, our energy needs will have increased by approximately 60%. Understanding the interaction between these two vital elements is paramount to developing a water secure future.” This year’s official celebrations of World Water Day are being coordinated by UNIDO and UNU, in Tokyo, Japan.