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This blog originally appeared on The Huffington Post as part of a series, "What's Working: Sustainable Development Goals."
As a sector in world affairs, water is reaching a tipping point. Over the next two decades, the global push for food and energy security and for sustaining urbanization will place unprecedented demands on water.
Ours is a "thirsty" world, in which agriculture and energy compete with the needs of cities. At the same time, climate change may worsen the situation by increasing water stress and extreme-weather events. Hence, the water and climate nexus can no longer be a side event at global-climate talks. All of this is happening while the important push for universal access to water and sanitation services -- despite the impressive gains over the past several decades -- remains an unfinished agenda.
The Sustainable Development Goal on water recognizes its unique and interconnected nature, with one overarching goal for water bringing together formerly disparate approaches. It states, "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all." The challenge for all nations is implementation.
Three important issues define this challenge.
To continue reading the blog, visit The Huffington Post: "A Tipping Point for Water
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