Today, Vice President Harris announced the first-of-its-kindWhite House Action Plan on Global Water Security. White House Action Plan on Global Water Security. This view moves closer to water resilience, which the Pacific Institute defines as the ability of water systems to function so that nature and people, including those on the frontlines and disproportionately impacted, thrive under shocks, stresses, and change. The Pacific Institute calls on decisionmakers to address the more holistic view of water resilience, in addition to both water security and water sustainability.
Global Water Strategy, mandated by the Congress in the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2014. In all cases, the path to water resilience must be achieved through a lens of equity, prioritizing all stakeholders, including frontline communities and the environment. An official website of the United States Government, U.S. Action Plan on Global Water Security, Office of the U.S. It identifies key pillars of this approach that address the full scope of global water issues and will mobilize departments and agencies around concrete actions to achieve our vision of a water-secure world. Global Water Strategy (GWS), mandated by the Congress in the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2014; the next revision of the GWS will be submitted to the Congress in early fall 2022 as directed. More than two billion people today lack access to safely managed drinking water, and nearly half the worlds population lacks access to safely managed sanitation services. Harris highlighted funding from the bipartisan infrastructure bill allocated to remove every lead pipe in the nation within the next 10 years and improve the nation's water infrastructure. Learn how you can get involved and lend a hand. This comprehensive, systems-based approach is intended to recognize the unique challenges in each region and community and address them to ensure that water strengthens, rather than undermines, U.S. national security. Its research also continues to highlight the role innovative solutions, including. It will also increase the governments focus on working in partnership with nongovernmental organizations, local communities, and the private sector in order to maximize the impact of its programming and investments. Its research also continues to highlight the role innovative solutions, including nature-based solutions, water efficiency, and water reuse, will play in ensuring global water security for all. The plan outlines the executive branchs approach to advancing water security both in the U.S. and abroad. Through this Action Plan, the United States will highlight, reinforce, and where needed reorient existing U.S. government tools to advance progress toward global water security goals. Less water has increased the risk of wildfires and forced water restrictions on millions of Californians. Harris linked that action to her own work as a Democratic senator representing California, when she said she introduced legislation focused on smart water policy, efficiency recycling, and measures to remove and replace lead service lines. Secure and sustainable access to safe water is an essential element of national security, and the Department of State is working together with our partners and allies to facilitate water cooperation and engagement on water management across our development programming and diplomatic efforts. Additionally, the Pacific Institute applauds the new plan for: The Pacific Institute calls on decisionmakers across the public and private sectors to commit to achieving water resilience by rapidly scaling solutions. She said that the plan would involve "fully committing" the U.S. to helping provide access to safe water and sanitation services around the world by sharing "world-leading" water data to help manage and preserve water resources and using diplomatic resources to "elevate water security" as an international priority. ", Spectrum News: VP Harris outlines U.S. role in 'global solution' to water insecurity[Rachel Tillman, 06/01/2022]. Todays announcement of the White House Action Plan on Global Water Security is a step in the right direction for building water resilience both in the United States and around the world. In response, the Action Plan elevates water security as an essential element of the United States international efforts to achieve national security objectives that include increasing equity and economic growth; decreasing the risk of vulnerability to shocks, conflict and instability; building inclusive and resilient societies; bolstering health and food security; advancing gender equity and equality; and tackling climate change. It's also led to less security by provoking armed conflict over water sources and access. Will the Sun Soon Power First Responders? "I remember how unsettling it was to imagine how our access to a resource so basic and essential as water, how that could become so uncertain, and we cannot take it for granted," Harris said. Become a Contributor For more information on topics related to this piece, please visit the HSDL Featured Topic on Climate Change, or check out other resources related to global water security. Vice President Kamala Harris is announcing the launch of White House Action Plan on Global Water Security, according to an emailed fact sheet. UPI: VP Harris unveils White House plan to solve 'unconscionable' scarcity of clean drinking water[Danielle Haynes, 06/01/2022]. "I remember how unsettling it was to imagine how our access to a resource so basic and essential as water, how that could become so uncertain, and we cannot take it for granted," Harris said. The coalition led by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is tasked with addressing the impacts of persistent drought on farmers, ranchers, tribal nations and other communities. [], VOA News: US Elevates Water Security as Foreign Policy Priority[Patsy Widakuswara, 06/01/2022]. The White House says that the government will also increase its focus on working in partnership with nongovernmental organizations, local communities, and the private sector in order to maximize the impact of its work. In addition to increasing gender equity and economic growth, water security is a central element of preventing conflict and promoting global peace and stability. The plan will engage partner countries, civil society, and the private sector to support a more water-secure world for all. Water scarcity is a global problem and it must be met with a global solution. Find out about career opportunities at USAID. "Many of our most fundamental national security interests depend on water security." If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Los Angeles Times: Harris unveils White House plan to tackle water scarcity as national security priority[Courtney Subramanian and Ian James, 06/01/2022], Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday unveiled a first-ever White House plan to tackle water security as a foreign policy priority in light of ever tightening global water supplies. The action plan provides high-level policy framing that will be implemented by department and agency activities, including through planned funding commitments made by the Administration or appropriated by Congress. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, historic investments are being made to replace lead pipes and deliver safe drinking water to families and children. Water insecurity threatens lives and livelihoods and can lead to popular unrest and population movements. Harris said making sure that every country has enough water will prevent conflicts, improve health outcomes and boost local economies. Harris said a lack of access to such water resources has made the water less stable, making it difficult to produce food, maintain public health, driving economic growth and ultimately fueling mass migration. As the Vice President said, water scarcity is a global problem, and the State Department, together with our partners, will work to help achieve a global solution. Recalling her time on Capitol Hill, Harris said other lawmakers didn't take the link between water security and national security seriously, and yet the issue has only grown in importance as climate change has festered. Required fields are marked *. Vice President Harris on Wednesday announced a plan that aims to "elevate" water security as a national security issue. Partners & Sponsors, Alerts and Subscriptions