For
immediate release
Monday, November 28, 2021
As climate change challenges local water resources,
New guide advocates the ‘soft path’ to water security
Today, as world leaders gather in Montreal to negotiate climate protection
measures, two Canadian organizations release their practical guide
for local governments to cope with “climate chaos.” The
Soft Path for Water In a Nutshell, co-published by the POLIS Project
on Ecological Governance and Friends of the Earth Canada, outlines
the “soft path” to freshwater management—an innovative
approach to water planning that is “soft” on the environment
and ensures water security for Canadian communities.
"In the face of climate change—and the ensuing chaos—security
of water resources must be an urgent action item for every community
in Canada," says Oliver M. Brandes, co-author of the guide and
Water Sustainability project leader at the University of Victoria's
POLIS Project on Ecological Governance. "Focusing on water efficiency
alone is not enough to move freshwater management onto a sustainable
path; we need to change attitudes and water use habits. Conservation
is the best source of 'new' water for the future and, instead of consuming
as if Canada is water rich, we would be better off recognizing our
limits and working toward water security. The ‘soft path’ to
freshwater management will help communities do just that."
Freshwater management in Canada traditionally focuses on supplying
more and more water to meet increasing demands. This 20-page booklet
explains how the "soft path” differs from conventional,
supply-focused water management and lays out a step-by-step process
to address water security or a "soft path" plan. The guide
is written for water managers, community and government leaders, policy
makers and concerned citizens who want to take a proactive approach
to sustainable water management. This includes measures such as new
forms of sanitation, urban redesign for conservation and drought-resistant
landscapes.
"New approaches for water security are needed right now," says
Dr. David Brooks, co-author of the guide and director of research for
Friends of the Earth Canada. "You could learn to live without
oil, and we should, but you will not survive without fresh water. Climate
chaos will force us to re-think how we manage our voracious demand
for energy and water. We offer the Soft Path as a way to do that—a
way that respects the environment and leads to social prosperity."
Copies of The Soft Path for Water in a Nutshell are available at www.waterdsm.org
or www.foecanada.org or by calling the POLIS Project at (250) 721-6388
or FOE Canada at (613) 241-0085.
Media contacts:
Oliver M. Brandes (POLIS project) at (250) 721-8193 or omb@uvic.ca
David B. Brooks (Friends of the Earth Canada) at (613) 241-0085 or
foe@foecanada.org
Ellen Reynolds (POLIS project) at (250) 472-4637 or ellenr@uvic.ca