water

Water is life. It grows our food, powers our homes, and sustains every community. Yet this essential resource is under threat. Climate change is reshaping the water cycle – melting glaciers, shifting rainfall, and raising sea levels. Already, two-thirds of the world’s population experiences water scarcity yearly, and yet modern lifestyles demand ever more water.  

Freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, and aquifers, are our natural lifelines. But decades of pollution, overuse, and mismanagement have left them in crisis. Today, more than half of Europe’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands are unhealthy, and freshwater species are vanishing faster than in any other ecosystem.  

Cities stand at the heart of both the problem and the solution. They can secure clean drinking water through solutions such as smarter pricing, efficient supply or circular water use. They can also reduce flood and drought risks through nature-based solutions, including restoring wetlands and riverbanks.  

Managing water wisely is not just about adaptation. It’s about protecting ecosystems, reducing climate risks, and safeguarding life itself.   

Do you need inspiration for your city’s water policies?
Here are some of our top picks.