Water

Water is crucial for life on Earth and vital for our well-being. Businesses, including ours, can play a significant role in changing how water, including both freshwater and oceans, is used and ensuring its ecosystems are safeguarded through a more holistic approach to water management in the face of climate change.

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SOURCE-TO-SEA

Human activities have significantly affected freshwater ecosystems, aquifers, and ocean health for centuries, posing serious risks to human well-being. Due to the interconnected nature of water bodies, improper water use in one location can lead to ecological and social repercussions elsewhere. Managing these issues requires a comprehensive 'Source-To-Sea' approach, emphasising collaborative and consolidated water management across the entire water cycle.

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UNVEILING THE WATER CHALLENGE

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50%

of the world’s population faces severe water scarcity

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70%

of natural disaster deaths are water-related

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90%

of excess heat by greenhouse gases is absorbed by the ocean

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30%

of co2 emissions are absorbed by the ocean

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0.5%

of earth’s water is available freshwater

IMPACT AT A LOCAL LEVEL

Oceans

Our dedicated ocean strategy outlines our global ambition and guides our efforts in contributing to a thriving ocean. The strategy focuses on four key areas, using an evidence-based approach to deliver impactful and measurable results: Diverse & resilient ecosystems, healthy waters, blue science innovation & leadership, and blue finance.

By targeting these areas, we aim to catalyse action within our ecosystem of influence and reduce our impact on nature, ensuring our efforts lead to substantial and measurable outcomes for climate, nature and people.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

Water-related challenges, like extreme weather and rising sea levels, can destabilise communities and result in health hazards, causing approximately 829,000 deaths annually (WHO, 2022).

We know that building the resilience of infrastructure and capacity of local communities is critical, with a focus on WASH facilities, so we are aiming for a net positive water impact in 10 water-scarce basins, ensuring positive contributions to water access, quality, and quantity.

WATER AND CLIMATE

Freshwater and marine ecosystems are fundamental to human wellbeing and society; influencing the air we breathe, providing food security, and creating liveable conditions on Earth through carbon storage and heat absorption.

Addressing societal challenges requires a holistic approach that recognises the intricate interconnectivity between the land and maritime economies. As a key leader in the Sustainable Blue Economy we aim to leverage the trade sector's unique position for scaling climate action and promoting resilience through data driven actions.

MEASURING AGAINST THE SDGs

DP World's water initiatives strongly align with UN SDGs 6 and 14

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

We are committed to enhancing global prosperity by prioritising freshwater sustainability, directly supporting UN SDG goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Through initiatives aimed at ensuring equitable access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) systems, we address water-related challenges that threaten community stability and health, focusing on building resilience and capacity in local communities, especially in water-scarce regions.

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SDG 14: Life Below Water

As leaders in the Sustainable Blue Economy we aim to align closely with UN SDG goal 14 to conserve and use the ocean, seas, and marine resources sustainably. We are committed to reducing operational impacts on the ocean and boosting marine biodiversity by restoration and protection. By focusing on data-driven solutions and partnerships, we aim to advance climate action and resilience to contribute to a thriving, sustainable ocean.

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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

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Key COP28 Sessions: Protecting Nature for Climate, Lives and Livelihoods

This Leaders' Event at COP28 focused on protecting forests and oceans.

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Accelerating to Net Zero

Accelerating to Net Zero

Accelerating towards 2050 targets emerges as the focus for governments and the First Movers Coalition, as it observes a marketplace that is able to both act and allocate capital responsibly.

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Changing the Perception of Water

Changing the perception of water

Water is crucial for life on Earth and vital for our well-being. Businesses, including ours, can play a significant role in changing how water is used.

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