COP28
HYDRALOOP ON THE MOVE
There were some rocky moments at COP28 in Dubai last week, where some world leaders, particularly those from oil-rich nations, were reluctant to commit to a complete transition from fossil fuels. China and Saudi Arabia were among those initially blocking the phase-out of not just coal, but oil and gas.
Ultimately, a historic deal calls for “Transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050.”
Is it a new beginning toward real change?
A brief history – the first United Nations’ Conference of the Parties was held in Berlin in 1995 to address climate change. Twenty years later, the Paris Agreement (named for the host country) set a target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050. It was signed by 190 countries (out of the then- 198). Five years later, countries failed to demonstrate substantial, if any progress. Since then, accountability has been the name of the game. COP28 held its feet to the fire with the first Global Stocktake.
Away from the main stage, however, there is much to cheer on, including the presentation of the Blueprint for a Circular Water Smart Society by Meike van Ginneken, Water Envoy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, and a panel discussion with the Water Alliance and member Hydraloop.
It’s all about micro water-saving solutions. Small circles, as Hydraloop founders Sabine Stuiver and Arthur Valkieser describe the world’s first IoT-connected water recycling system. Putting the plan before decision-makers around the world is how the real climate battle work gets done. Hydraloop called it, a ”valuable starting point for governing bodies worldwide, providing concrete solutions for practical application.”
OwlVoices has been cheering their work on as the Hydraloop founders focus on advocacy and the bigger picture. We were at the launch of the blueprint earlier this year in New York City, during UN Water Week, where it was endorsed by experts like Dirk Krol, executive director, and Hans Goossens, president of Water Europe, Dean Amhaus, president and CEO of The Water Council, US, and Peter Fiske, Executive director of the National Association of Water Innovation, US.
A lot of work gets done behind the scenes at COP, and Hydraloop officially entered into an agreement with an international private equity and investment firm that promotes advancements in climate technology, sustainability, and energy transition.
It’s being called a groundbreaking partnership that opens up new opportunities for investment while propelling Hydraloop’s global expansion and diversifying its applications, in sectors that include energy, industrial facilities, water management systems, and off-grid locations.
What is the blueprint?
It is a concise plan by the Water Alliance’s Global Expert Group Circular Water to shape a water use transition, starting with an overview of the causes of the global water crisis. It offers solutions for circular water use in urban areas that can be implemented quickly to reduce tap water use and wastewater emissions by 22-45%.
It covers water-smart construction, the need for regulations that do not obstruct, but enable circular water, and financial incentives.
It can work because people are not asked to make concessions and the benefits of enhanced water security.
In our posts here, we have been talking about ways to “create” water with alternate sourcing, like Beth Kiogi’s Majik Water and MASK Architects’ BAOBAB resort, collecting drinking water from ambient humidity. Every time we read about efforts like this, we are reminded of Hydraloop’s philosophy that small circles are the answer.
Read our magazine profile of Hydraloop here.
