National scientific research agency CSIRO has joined a global network of private and public sector organisations to promote the sustainable, fair, and efficient use of the world’s fresh water resources.
The Water Footprint Network seeks to advance the concept of “water footprinting” as a means of understanding and addressing the negative impacts on freshwater systems of the production and consumption of goods and services.
CSIRO has conducted a range of water footprint case studies on various products and has been active in developing water footprint calculation methods.
Brad Ridoutt, CSIRO principal scientist, said standardised and internationally agreed methods for product water footprinting are urgently needed.
“CSIRO will work toward agreed methods that will enable companies to start using water footprinting with confidence for reporting, priority setting, and decision making,” he said.
Derk Kuiper, executive director of the Water Footprint Network, said that companies situated where water is abundant may still be susceptible to the impacts of water scarcity through their supply chains.
“In order to adapt to increased climate variability and the pending world water crisis,” Kuiper said, “companies need to understand these risks and develop appropriate management and growth strategies.”
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