Blog Post - Edited Reporting from CNN: Global Water Cycle Imbalance, Edited AI Supported Research and Analysis: Can the Global Water Cycle Imbalance be Addressed with Green Markets (Environmental Markets, ESG, and Sustainability)?

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Edited Reporting from CNN: Global Water Cycle Imbalance

Humanity has thrown the global water cycle off balance “for the first time in human history,” fueling a growing water disaster that will wreak havoc on economies, food production and lives, according to a landmark new report. Decades of destructive land use and water mismanagement have collided with the human-caused climate crisis to put “unprecedented stress” on the global water cycle, said the report published Wednesday by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, a group of international leaders and experts.

The water cycle refers to the complex system by which water moves around the Earth. Water evaporates from the ground — including from lakes, rivers and plants — and rises into the atmosphere, forming large rivers of water vapor able to travel long distances, before cooling, condensing and eventually falling back to the ground as rain or snow. But the damage humans inflict, including destroying wetlands and tearing down forests, is depleting these carbon sinks and accelerating global warming. In turn, climate change-fueled heat is drying out landscapes, reducing moisture and increasing fire risk. The crisis is made more urgent by the huge need for water. The report calculates that, on average, people need a minimum of about 4,000 liters (just over 1,000 gallons) a day to lead a “dignified life,” far above the 50 to 100 liters the United Nations says is needed for basic needs, and more than most regions will be able to provide from local sources.

The crisis can only be addressed through better management of natural resources and massive cuts in planet-heating pollution, he (an expert) told CNN. The report calls for a “fundamental regearing of where water sits in economies,” including better pricing to discourage wastefulness and the tendency to plant water-thirsty crops and facilities, such as data centers, in water-stressed regions. “The global water crisis is a tragedy but is also an opportunity to transform the economics of water,” said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the World Trade Organization and a co-chair of the commission that published the report. Valuing water properly is essential, she added, “so as to recognize its scarcity and the many benefits it delivers.”

Edited AI Supported Research and Analysis: Can the Global Water Cycle Imbalance be Addressed with Green Markets (Environmental Markets, ESG, and Sustainability)?

There are several environmental commodities, markets, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives, and sustainability initiatives that address the global water cycle imbalance.

Environmental commodities can address the global water cycle imbalance by promoting sustainable water management and conservation practices. These commodities, such as water rights and water quality credits, help allocate water resources more efficiently and reduce pollution, contributing to a more balanced water cycle.

Wetlands mitigation credits can help address the global water cycle imbalance. By promoting the protection and restoration of wetlands, these credits support natural water absorption and retention, which can mitigate flooding and improve water quality. Wetlands act as natural sponges, storing excess water during heavy rains and releasing it during dry periods, helping to maintain a balanced water cycle. Carbon offsets (or carbon credits) primarily aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they can indirectly address the global water cycle imbalance by supporting projects that promote water conservation and sustainable land use. For example, reforestation and wetland restoration projects funded through carbon offsets (or carbon credits) can help improve water retention and reduce runoff, contributing to a more balanced water cycle.

Stream mitigation credits can help address the global water cycle imbalance. By promoting the restoration and protection of streams and their surrounding ecosystems, these credits support natural water absorption and retention, which can mitigate flooding and improve water quality. Stream restoration projects often include measures like stabilizing stream banks, enhancing in-stream habitats, and reconnecting floodplains, all of which contribute to a more balanced water cycle. Water restoration certificates can help address the global water cycle imbalance. These certificates typically represent investments in projects that restore and protect water bodies, wetlands, and watersheds. By enhancing natural water absorption and retention, these projects can help mitigate flooding, improve water quality, and support a more balanced water cycle.

Water rights can play a role in addressing the global water cycle imbalance by promoting more efficient and sustainable water use. When water rights are properly managed, they can help ensure that water resources are allocated in a way that supports ecological balance, reduces waste, and maintains the health of water systems. However, the effectiveness of water rights in addressing the imbalance depends on how well they are implemented and enforced. Water quality credits can help address the global water cycle imbalance by incentivizing pollution reduction and improving water quality. By trading these credits, entities are encouraged to implement practices that reduce pollutants entering water bodies, which can help restore natural water systems and support a more balanced water cycle.

Environmental markets can help address the global water cycle imbalance by promoting sustainable water management practices and incentivizing conservation efforts. These markets facilitate the trading of environmental commodities, such as water rights and water quality credits, which can lead to more efficient and equitable water use. By encouraging practices that reduce pollution and enhance water retention, environmental markets contribute to restoring and maintaining a balanced water cycle.

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives can address the global water cycle imbalance. Many ESG initiatives focus on sustainable water management, pollution reduction, and conservation efforts. By promoting responsible water use and investing in projects that restore and protect water systems, these initiatives contribute to a more balanced water cycle and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Sustainability initiatives play a vital role in addressing the global water cycle imbalance. They focus on promoting responsible water use, conservation, and restoration efforts, all of which help maintain a balanced water cycle. Examples include initiatives for water conservation, watershed management, and the restoration of wetlands and natural water bodies.

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