A new report from environmental NGO WWF is warning that increasing globalisation means Germany is facing hidden water risks via “imported water risks”.
According to the report by WWF Germany, many products imported into the German economy face high water-related risks in their countries of origin.
Six sectors were selected and analysed in the report, based on a combination of their high water dependence and exposure to water risks. Textiles and clothing from China, Bangladesh and India, minerals extraction and metals from Russia, Libya and South Africa, agriculture from Ethiopia, Indonesia and Argentina and chemicals from China were all identified as important to the German economy and showing high water risks. Two sectors with indirect impacts - retail and financial services - were also examined.
In comparison to other countries, water resources in Germany itself are sufficiently available and well governed. However, the world’s third biggest import nation, Germany is dependent on goods and resources from abroad. The report says most of these goods inherit so-called water risks, since they originate in locations with water scarcity, deteriorating water quality, weak governance and regulatory challenges, poor infrastructure, vulnerable communities, and fragile ecosystems.
Philipp Wagnitz, responsible for water risk work at WWF Germany and a co-author of the study commented:
“Rising populations, changing consumption patterns, and climate change already directly affect water availability and qualityin many river basins, which puts additional pressure on politics, companies and the society.“
“Water is a complex ecological, social and economic issue of local river basins. Companies that are producing in or sourcing from these basins are in the middle of this interaction and should develop sustainable solutions to lower their risk and impact on the ground.“
“Because water is a shared resource, companies also have to find shared solutions for shared risks. This can only be done in collaboration with others”.
The report is calling for German companies to identify their risks, impacts, and responsibilities related to water and mitigate their risks by implementing water stewardship strategies.
Click here to download the full report in English
Zum lesen hier auf Deutsch DAS IMPORTIERTE RISIKO:DEUTSCHLANDS WASSERRISIKO IN ZEITEN DER GLOBALISIERUNG
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