Deep-rooted nexus between water, energy highlighted

TOKYO, Mar 22: The deep-rooted nexus between water and energy was highlighted Friday during the celebrations of annual World Water Day in Tokyo.
"Water and energy are among the world's most pre-eminent challenges. This year's focus of World Water Day brings the issues to the attention of the world," said chair of UN-Water Michel Jarraud while addressing a programme at United Nations University.
By 2030, as predicted by the United Nations, the global population will need 35 per cent more food, 40 per cent more water, and 50 per cent more energy. Some 786 million people already lack access to improved water sources, 2.5 billion have no improved sanitation and 1.3 billion people cannot access electricity.
"The issues need urgent attention - both now and in the post-2015 development discussions. The situation is unacceptable. It is often the same people who lack access to water and sanitation who also lack access to energy," said Mr Jarraud.
"Water and energy are strongly interlinked. Water is required to produce, transport and use all forms of energy to some degree and energy is required for the extraction, treatment and distribution of water, as well as its collection and treatment after use," says UN water development report 2014 launched in the morning.
The fresh water and energy are critical to human well-being and sustainable socio-economic development, it added.
It said: "Major regional and global crises -- climate, food, energy, financial -- threatening the livelihood of many, including the three billion people living on less than US$ 2.50 per day, are interlinked through water-energy nexus."
The report also said the world's fresh water resources will suffer from efforts to meet the growing global demand for energy. It reviewed the lack of coordination and planning between the two domains and urged improved management and planning at all levels to avoid shortages in energy and water supplies, and the further deterioration of natural resources.
"Energy and water are at the top of the global development agenda," said David Malone, Rector of United Nations University and this year's coordinator of World Water Day on behalf of UN Water together with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
Director General of UNIDO Li Yong emphasised the importance of water and energy for inclusive and sustainable development.
"There is a strong call today for integrating the economic dimension and the role of industry and manufacturing in particular, into the global post-2015 development priorities. I am convinced that inclusive and sustainable industrial development will be a key driver for the successful integration of the economic, social and environmental dimensions," he said.
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) - Tata Water Policy Programme, and 'NEWater Programme' of Singapore have been awarded for best water management practices and best participatory, communication, awareness-raising and education practices respectively.