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The Challenge of Climate Change and Future Water Or: water we going to do about carbon? 23 April 2009 Institute of Water Officers Annual Conference Mike Walker
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Outline Climate Change Act Climate Change Adaptation programme The water industry and carbon Future Water
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Climate Change Act 2008 – Key Aspects Binding targets to reduce GHG emissions 26% by 2020, 80% by 2050, on 1990 baseline Carbon budgets: 2008-2012, 2013-2017, 2018-2022 set by 1 June; report to Parliament on policies Committee on Climate Change Annual reports on progress on targets Sub committee on adaptation Quinquennial report on progress etc
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Adapting to Climate Change Programme Across-Government programme Co-ordinated by Defra About adapting to climate change in England. The programme brings together the work already being led by Government and the wider public sector on adapting to climate change. It will co-ordinate and drive forward the development of the Government's work on adaptation in the future.
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Adapting to Climate Change Programme
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Adapting to Climate Change in Defra Climate Change impacts on a range of Defra policies: Flooding and coastal erosion Water availability and quality Marine Agriculture Biodiversity, ecosystems and forestry Defra’s international role DSO 1: A society that is adapting to the effects of climate change, through a national programme of action and a contribution to international action
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Timelines for ACC Climate Change Act NI188 guidance LA support 2009201020112008 Projections launch & rollout Reporting Power & Statutory Guidance First reports asked for Adpt Sub Committee 1 st report Risk Assessment National Programme Adaptation Sub Committee
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Pictures courtesy of Waterwise Domestic hot water use produces about 35 million tonnes of greenhouse gases (CO2e) per year 7% of emissions Supplying water and treating sewage produces 5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year 1% of emissions 1 Carbon and water More water = more carbon emissions
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Policy measures on carbon Climate Change Levy EU Emissions Trading Scheme Climate Change Agreements Renewables Obligation Carbon Reduction Commitment
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Future Water The Government’s Water Strategy for England, published February 2008 Water sector for the future – vision for 2030 A coherent, focused policy framework which is resilient to climate change Outlines Government priorities 61 actions for Defra and delivery partners Water Availability and Quality board programme set up to ensure delivery
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- Need for everyone to value water - Everyone taking responsibility Future Water - Feb 2008 Key messages:
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Supply/demand balance Water efficiency Environmental water quality Surface water management and flooding Climate change mitigation and adaptation Charging for water Regulatory framework Future Water – key policy areas
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Areas of relative water stress Wetter winters and drier, hotter summers The Challenge: Climate Change More intense rainfall Lower river flows Less water available for supply
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Population growth and demographic change – more households Land-use patterns are changing Customers’ attitudes and demands are changing The Challenge: Social and Demographic Change Average water consumption in England: 150 litres/person/day
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The Challenge: Water Quality Real improvements in water quality But under wider WFD assessment: % at risk of failing to meet good status Rivers93 Lakes 84 Estuaries99 Coastal waters85 Ground water75
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Need for near universal metering before 2030 for households in areas of serious water stress Consumer awareness Efficient water fittings Water smart homes and businesses Future Water: Water Efficiency Valuing water more and using it more efficiently Ambition is to reduce water consumption to 130 litres/person/day or lower by 2030 Pictures Courtesy of Waterwise
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Future Water: Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation Water Industry voluntary commitments: Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) At least 20% of energy used to come from renewable sources by 2020 Research to understand, measure and manage non-CO2 greenhouse gases
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The Carbon Challenge…. Emissions targets Versus Higher standards (WFD daughter directives etc); projected increases in demand for water; etc
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Part of the solution…? Water efficiency Reduced emissions from treatment and distribution Reduced environmental impact of abstraction Helps WFD objectives Reduced demand – offset new resource needs
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