Biography
Biography: Shruti Bhargava
Abstract
In 2016, the water crisis was determined as the global risk of highest concern for people and economies for the next 10 years (WEF, 2016). Our ability to cope with current and future stresses on freshwater resources is a core challenge of the 21st century (CDP Global Water Report, 2017). Ensuring adequate water quality and quantity are of increasing importance in recent times owing to climate change related uncertainties and pollution related activities. The immediate source of water pollution is waste water discharge from various sources. Ocean acidification, plastic contamination, creation of dead zones is some of the visible effects of anthropogenic intervention. Companies and industrial sectors across the world are recognizing the crucial role water plays in the sustainability of their operations. Water related risks and opportunities are being accounted for and organizations are working together to alleviate the pollution causing effects of their operations. Measures include finding alternate modes of fuel, researching alternative modes of packaging, coming up with newer ways to have circular resource management, forward and backward integration, committing to reduce their water consumption per unit of production, among others. These measures may be small but contribute towards responsible resource consumption and showcase an organizations commitment towards contributing their bit. Actions taken today will determine if we have the possibility of water secure tomorrow.