Climate change: Why it’s such a big deal
Global warming is disrupting our climate.
Affecting weather patterns. Causing serious challenges to the world’s water supply. Our infrastructure is ageing. Clean, clear water is an essential need of our communities and the environment now, and for generations to come. That’s why the work needs to happen now. The investment needs to happen now. The time. The effort. Preparing for, and responding to, climate change had to become a core part of our work.
Thunderstorms. Drought. Extreme temperatures. Flash floods. The water industry is so susceptible to these climate hazards. Our customers recognise this too. They’ve told us that investing now for the future to prepare for severe weather is important to them, and we’re listening.
Our goal is to adapt to a world that is 2oC warmer in 2050. At the same time, we will assess the risks and plan for the effects of more extreme warming by the end of the century. This way, we will be able to prepare for projects that take a long time to implement. We will use this goal as the basis to plan and decide on investment in water resources and drainage for the long term.
We aim to become a truly climate resilient water and wastewater service provider, both now and for future generations. To achieve this, we need to work as an industry to be climate ready.
Our approach to climate change will be aligned to global commitments in the Paris Agreement and Glasgow Climate Pact goal of 1.5oC.
Our goal is to be net zero by 2027, and we aim to adapt for 2oC and prepare for 4oC.
Preparing for climate hazards and future climate uncertainty now will provide our customers with the most reliable and robust service possible. This will reduce the likelihood of service interruptions in future.
Improving our resilience to climate hazards will also provide benefits to our environment by reducing the likelihood of pollution and maintaining raw water quality.
We cannot adapt alone. We want to work in partnership with regulators, customers and stakeholders to develop and deliver climate change adaptation solutions.
We want to hear your views. Start a conversation with us at haveyoursay@nwl.co.uk to share your thoughts.
