Introduction
As per the United Nations, climate change refers to “long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns”. This can be natural or man-made or both. However, the main driver of the rapidly increasing earth’s temperature is increasing greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions by burning fossil fuels. In the last 40 years, there is an increase of 0.75 degrees Celsius which has caused a huge disruption in the earth’s ecosystem with natural calamities like floods, droughts, cyclones, wildfires, etc. becoming a regular affair. Apart from natural disasters happening all over the world, corporates are also feeling the brunt of it. Scientists have found a negative correlation between the earth’s temperature and workers’ productivity. With the increasing earth’s temperature, there is a decrease in workers’ productivity. Climate change is hitting humanity from all corners and it’s high time to collaborate and identify a feasible solution to control this crisis.
Challenges and solutions
The main cause of climate change is increasing greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions through burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and excessive water usage. Energy and water providers should accelerate their efforts to reduce emissions to low levels by increasing reliance on renewable sources of energy to meet energy demand. Around 60-70% of the country’s energy requirements are met through coal-fired power plants which are the biggest contributor to GHGs emissions. Solar panels, wind turbines and biofuels (any fuel derived from biomass) rely on renewable sources of energy that are sustainable and can meet the country’s energy demand without causing any damage to the earth. The shift from nonrenewable energy sources to renewable sources can only happen when these sources are made cost-efficient. Low LCOE (Levelized Cost of electricity), efficient storage capacity and reduced leakages can make renewable sources of energy a better option than nonrenewable sources of energy.
Excessive water usage and dumping of untreated water not only contaminate soil and water but also release high amounts of GHGs like methane and nitrous oxide. As per CPCB, around 23000MLD of sewage water is generated, mostly dumped into river water due to a lack of treatment facilities. Water providers play a key role in developing technologies to reduce water wastage to a minimum. Some companies along with manufacturing high-quality products are also contributing to a clean environment by taking initiatives that are water-smart by treating wastewater and utilizing the freshwater for personal use and non-freshwater in boilers for cooling purposes. This way they have reduced their freshwater usage and wastewater discharge to sewers.
Conclusion
Water is an essential source that not only is required for the existence and maintenance of life on earth but also for meeting the world’s energy demand. Energy sources like hydropower, thermal power and nuclear power all require water in either generation or storage of power. Both energy and water should be considered in tandem and it’s our responsibility to save energy and reduce water wastage to have a sustainable future.
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