Green Water Revolution

Southeast Asia's Quest to Sustainable Wastewater Management in an Era of Climate Sensitivity

- Mohammad (Moh) Sherafatmand

At a time when environmental issues are at the forefront of global discussions, Southeast Asia stands at a pivotal crossroads. The COP28 summit in the United Arab Emirates, one of the most water-stressed regions in the world, has brought the decarbonisation of the wastewater treatment industry into sharp focus.

Despite common perceptions, Southeast Asia’s water resources are far from inexhaustible. The region faces significant gaps in hitting water-centric Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the Asian Development Bank, roughly 500 million individuals across Southeast Asia grapple with limited access to clean water, and over 1.1 billion have insufficient sanitation.

Access to water is further complicated by concerns surrounding water security, driven by rapid urban growth and an expanding population. Predictions suggest an increase in water demand, putting existing water infrastructure under pressure. On the one hand, nations are thriving for more growth, which ultimately brings a higher standard of living, but on the other, this comes at a cost depleting their water resources. Higher growth means higher industrialisation, which in turn equates to higher water usage.

This reinforces the necessity for innovative solutions that can manage the region’s water resources effectively. With every passing year, these challenges become more pronounced, highlighting the urgency for forward-looking and creative responses.

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