Climate talks must consider water, not just carbon

The Stockholm Statement that articulated the delegates’ concerns was unanimously supported during the plenary session on the final day of the gathering.

Anders Berntell, executive director of the Stockholm International Water Institute, which hosted the talks, said: “Water is a fundamental element in economies, communities, and public health. We know that it is the medium

through which climate change manifests its most serious effects.

“To be effective, climate negotiations must factor in the impact and importance of water for the world and, indeed, human well-being.”

The statement says that adaptation to unavoidable climate change must be part of any global climate change package, and that will include securing reliable water resources.

It also calls for knowledge sharing, better access to technology for developing countries and finance that will allow them to deliver sanitation and clean water for their people.