An initiative by the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳¡¯s Global Water Practice to help embrace and implement circular and resilience principles in cities around the world.
The current water crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Water challenges are particularly salient in urban areas, where, for the first time in history, more than half the global population lives. It is estimated that the urban population worldwide will nearly double by 2050 ?¡ª an increase that has serious implications for urban water demand. Presently at 15¨C20 percent of global water consumption, urban demand is set to rise to 30 percent. Increasing urban water use will also lead to more wastewater and water pollution. Climate change further exacerbates pre-existing water stresses and is already having a measurable effect on the urban water cycle ?¡ª altering the amount, distribution, timing, and quality of available water. Urban water supply and sanitation services, which are often provided by public entities, will bear the brunt of these challenges, on top of the performance issues observed in many public sector entities.
Circular Economy principles have emerged as a response to the current unsustainable linear model of ¡°take, make, consume, and waste.¡± Yet so far, the water sector has not been systematically included in high-level circular economy strategy discussions. In practical terms, a circular approach designs products that reduce pressure on natural resources and minimize waste. Circular economy principles offer an opportunity to recognize and capture the full value of water (as a service, an input to processes, a source of energy and a carrier of nutrients and other materials).
Rethinking urban water through the circular economy and resilience lenses offers an opportunity to tackle all these challenges by providing a systemic and transformative approach to delivering water supply and sanitation services in a more sustainable, inclusive, efficient, and resilient way.
To achieve its full benefits, a circular water system needs to embrace resilience and inclusiveness. Resilience should be integrated into any circular strategy to prepare cities for uncertain shocks and stressors in order to avoid the undesired impacts of a disruption or failure of water services. As developing countries continue to grow and urbanize, middle- and low-income countries must be supported as they transition to a circular economy so that vulnerable groups also benefit from those interventions.
The objective of the WICER initiative is to establish a common understanding of circular economy principles and resilience in the water sector and to support countries to implement those principles. The team has developed the Water in Circular Economy and Resilience (WICER) Framework (see image below) to guide practitioners who are incorporating the principles in policies and strategies, planning, investment prioritization, and design and operations. The main report of the initiative, , describes the key actions needed to achieve three main outcomes: 1) deliver resilient and inclusive services; 2) design out waste and pollution; and 3) preserve and regenerate natural systems. The initiative has also developed case studies and compiled examples, guidelines, and other relevant materials, which can be found in the report and the main page of the initiative.
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Applying the framework provides not only environmental benefits, but also social, economic, and financial ones.