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| | There are various water resource related risks for corporate companies. Corporate water risks can be summarised in the following categories drawing on the concepts and tools of WWF and DEG (2011), Lloyd's (2010 and JP Morgan (2008): | | There are various water resource related risks for corporate companies. Corporate water risks can be summarised in the following categories drawing on the concepts and tools of WWF and DEG (2011), Lloyd's (2010 and JP Morgan (2008): |
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| | *Physical Risk: Water [[Quality|quality]], [[Quantity|quantity]] and [[Low-Cost Options for Reducing Consumer Health Risks from Farm to Fork Where Crops Are Irrigated with Polluted Water in West Africa|pollution]] | | *Physical Risk: Water [[Quality|quality]], [[Quantity|quantity]] and [[Low-Cost Options for Reducing Consumer Health Risks from Farm to Fork Where Crops Are Irrigated with Polluted Water in West Africa|pollution]] |
| | *Regulatory Risk: [[Water law and water rights|laws]], water related regulation, [[Water price|pricing]] of water supply and waste discharge, licenses to operate, [[Water law and water rights|water rights]], quality standards | | *Regulatory Risk: [[Water law and water rights|laws]], water related regulation, [[Water price|pricing]] of water supply and waste discharge, licenses to operate, [[Water law and water rights|water rights]], quality standards |
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| | Reputational Water Risk relates to the brand’s image at a local and international level, in how a business is perceived by the public and stakeholders. Depending on the cultural context, the level of constructed knowledge and the influence of the media, ecological symbols and images will always be perceived in different ways by different societies and individuals (Beck, 1999). Further factors influencing the perceptions can be cultural and religious factors, as well as the history and heritage of the particular business (WWF and DEG, 2011). Media can also either destabilise or foster change by visualisation of climatic catastrophes (Beck, 2010). In Western media, climate change has often been portrayed and visualised through images of extreme droughts or flooding events. Increased mass media documentation and visualisation of global environmental change and its impact on the most vulnerable parts of societies in developing countries has increased awareness and concern of global risks in the ‘Western’ world (Beck, 2010). | | Reputational Water Risk relates to the brand’s image at a local and international level, in how a business is perceived by the public and stakeholders. Depending on the cultural context, the level of constructed knowledge and the influence of the media, ecological symbols and images will always be perceived in different ways by different societies and individuals (Beck, 1999). Further factors influencing the perceptions can be cultural and religious factors, as well as the history and heritage of the particular business (WWF and DEG, 2011). Media can also either destabilise or foster change by visualisation of climatic catastrophes (Beck, 2010). In Western media, climate change has often been portrayed and visualised through images of extreme droughts or flooding events. Increased mass media documentation and visualisation of global environmental change and its impact on the most vulnerable parts of societies in developing countries has increased awareness and concern of global risks in the ‘Western’ world (Beck, 2010). |
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| − | Businesses can damage their reputation by gaining access to water rights over other less powerful groups such as farmers and or domestic users. Bearing in mind that subsistence farmers are highly dependent on access to water resources; a denied or restricted access could be a major threat to their livelihood. Additionally, the [[Quality|pollution of water resources]] as a part of the industrial production and operating processes can seriously threaten the good reputation of businesses on both a global and local level. In Kerala, Coca Cola was forced to close their production as result of a conflict over local water resources. Coca Cola was accused of over-extracting groundwater resources and discharging wastewater without treatment. It was claimed that Coca Cola threatened the local farmer’s livelihoods by causing [[Water_scarcity|water shortages]] and pollution (Lambooy, 2011). Eventually Coca Cola lost its license to operate in Kerala, but is still in the process of challenging this ruling (Lambooy, 2011). | + | Businesses can damage their reputation by gaining access to water rights over other less powerful groups such as farmers and or domestic users. Bearing in mind that subsistence farmers are highly dependent on access to water resources; a denied or restricted access could be a major threat to their livelihood. Additionally, the [[Quality|pollution of water resources]] as a part of the industrial production and operating processes can seriously threaten the good reputation of businesses on both a global and local level. In Kerala, Coca Cola was forced to close their production as result of a conflict over local water resources. Coca Cola was accused of over-extracting groundwater resources and discharging wastewater without treatment. It was claimed that Coca Cola threatened the local farmer’s livelihoods by causing [[Water scarcity|water shortages]] and pollution (Lambooy, 2011). Eventually Coca Cola lost its license to operate in Kerala, but is still in the process of challenging this ruling (Lambooy, 2011). |
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| | == Financial and Investment Water Risk == | | == Financial and Investment Water Risk == |
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| − | Financial and Investment Water Risk for businesses are not only driven by increased water supply prices but also from financial losses due to [[Water_in_the_Food_Supply_Chain|supply chain]] disruption and changes in production process (JP Morgan, 2008). Higher energy and technology costs related to water supply and discharge can also be classified as ‘financial’ water risk (Orr et al. 2009). Investment in water technology and water related disclosure requirements on investors, can be a threat to business (Lloyd’s, 2010). Businesses are interested in ensuring the long-term investment returns (Pegram et al., 2009). | + | Financial and Investment Water Risk for businesses are not only driven by increased water supply prices but also from financial losses due to [[Water in the Food Supply Chain|supply chain]] disruption and changes in production process (JP Morgan, 2008). Higher energy and technology costs related to water supply and discharge can also be classified as ‘financial’ water risk (Orr et al. 2009). Investment in water technology and water related disclosure requirements on investors, can be a threat to business (Lloyd’s, 2010). Businesses are interested in ensuring the long-term investment returns (Pegram et al., 2009). |
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| | == Community Conflict Water Risk == | | == Community Conflict Water Risk == |
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| − | Community Conflict Water Risk is about the access to sufficient [[Water_User_Associations|water by the different users]]. Water scarcity and water pollution can fuel local conflicts and is closely linked to reputational water risk to business (Lloyd’s, 2010). The competition over water allocation can not only lead to tensions amongst water users but in some cases to conflicts which can result in protests or even court cases. This may not only threaten the reputation of a business but also water access and allocation permits. As has been discussed briefly in the definition of regulatory water risk, Coca Cola lost their license to operate in Kerala due protests which emerged out of conflict over local water resources (Lambooy, 2011). | + | Community Conflict Water Risk is about the access to sufficient [[Water User Associations|water by the different users]]. Water scarcity and water pollution can fuel local conflicts and is closely linked to reputational water risk to business (Lloyd’s, 2010). The competition over water allocation can not only lead to tensions amongst water users but in some cases to conflicts which can result in protests or even court cases. This may not only threaten the reputation of a business but also water access and allocation permits. As has been discussed briefly in the definition of regulatory water risk, Coca Cola lost their license to operate in Kerala due protests which emerged out of conflict over local water resources (Lambooy, 2011). |
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| | == Other Water Risks == | | == Other Water Risks == |
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| | In regards to the recently developed global water risk assessment tools, it has to be considered that corporate water risk is a highly localized issue. Most of the global water risk assessment tools are too simplistic and do not take into account all water risks or other environmental risks that are linked to the management of water resources. Corporate water risk is not a holistic approach. It fails to capture the complexity and interactions of water with other sectors and stakeholders such as energy and food supply. The assessment of water risk involves taking into account different stakeholders and users of water and has to analyse the complex structure of water regulations, allocations, cultural perceptions, socially constructed knowledge of the environment within the uncertainties of climate change and population growth. Not all factors can be given the same weight in the assessment; the urgency and importance of the factors are highly dependent on each individual and is influenced by individual perception of risk. | | In regards to the recently developed global water risk assessment tools, it has to be considered that corporate water risk is a highly localized issue. Most of the global water risk assessment tools are too simplistic and do not take into account all water risks or other environmental risks that are linked to the management of water resources. Corporate water risk is not a holistic approach. It fails to capture the complexity and interactions of water with other sectors and stakeholders such as energy and food supply. The assessment of water risk involves taking into account different stakeholders and users of water and has to analyse the complex structure of water regulations, allocations, cultural perceptions, socially constructed knowledge of the environment within the uncertainties of climate change and population growth. Not all factors can be given the same weight in the assessment; the urgency and importance of the factors are highly dependent on each individual and is influenced by individual perception of risk. |
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| | + | = WWF-DEG Water Risk Filter = |
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| | + | Together WWF and DEG developed an online tool which allows companies to assess the water risks associated with their portfolio or individual facilities. The tool can be accessed at [http://waterriskfilter.panda.org/ http://waterriskfilter.panda.org/] |
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| | + | <br/><br/> |
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| | + | <br/> |
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| | = References = | | = References = |
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| | '''WWF''', 2011. Water Stewardship: Sharing Risk and Opportunity at the Water’s Edge. ''WWF Factsheet ''[Online] Available at: www.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/water_stewardship_lowres.pdf<cite>[Accessed 15 December 2013]</cite> | | '''WWF''', 2011. Water Stewardship: Sharing Risk and Opportunity at the Water’s Edge. ''WWF Factsheet ''[Online] Available at: www.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/water_stewardship_lowres.pdf<cite>[Accessed 15 December 2013]</cite> |
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| − | [[Category:Economics]]
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| − | [[Category:Excellent]]
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| | [[Category:Enabling_Environment]] | | [[Category:Enabling_Environment]] |
| | + | [[Category:Water_Security]] |
| | + | [[Category:Excellent]] |
| | + | [[Category:Economics]] |
Latest revision as of 09:07, 27 May 2016
Recently businesses are increasingly paying attention on how water risks are impacting their operations and supply chain. Tools and frameworks have been developed over the last years to quantify "Corporate Water Risks" and to engange businesses in mainstream water management strategies with multiple stakeholders.
[edit] Introduction
In the age of climate change and rising uncertainties, businesses are paying increased attention to how environmental risk factors are impacting their supply chain and operations. In regards to globalwater resources it is projected that water demand in the future will rapidly increase with population growth and the industrialisation of emerging economies. It is estimated that by 2030 water withdrawals will increase by 40% worldwide, inherent with population growth (Chartes and Varma, 2010).
Since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, narratives in the water sector have focused largely on the association of water with the market, democracy and sustainability (Mollinga and Gonhalekar, 2012). Global concepts such as the ‘Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)’ have been developed and applied on a large scale. Recently, the pressure of climate change on water resources has gained much attention and is referred to as ‘water security’ (Mollinga and Gonhalekar, 2012; Grey and Sadoff, 2005). Over the last decade the debate in the water sector has shifted from human rights and access to drinking water and sanitation in the context of the Millennium Development Goals, to that of green growth and the role of business in water management (Deutz, 2012). Businesses have only started to address water risk management on a strategic corporate level over the last few years (Lloyd’s, 2010; Pegram et al., 2009; JP Morgan, 2008). Previously, water was instead managed on an operational level and addressed through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaigns (Lloyd’s, 2010). Water availability and reliability under the conditions of population growth and changing weather patterns are pressuring commercial use of water in industries (Morrison and Gleick, 2004). As with other environmental risks, decisions and strategies to address water risk are not merely based on technical know-how but also are influenced by cultural perceptions, values and beliefs (Allan, 1999). Businesses have increasingly started to engage in mainstream water management and policy, reaching beyond domestic water supply and privatisation.
[edit] Types of Corporate Water Risks: a Framework
Water risks are posed on the industrial input and output of business operations. The assessment of water risk towards a business requires data on water use so as to evaluate the water footprint (Morrison and Gleick, 2004). In water footprintanalysis, volumetric data on water usage throughout the supply chain and operations is required (Lloyds, 2010).
There are various water resource related risks for corporate companies. Corporate water risks can be summarised in the following categories drawing on the concepts and tools of WWF and DEG (2011), Lloyd's (2010 and JP Morgan (2008):
- Physical Risk: Water quality, quantity and pollution
- Regulatory Risk: laws, water related regulation, pricing of water supply and waste discharge, licenses to operate, water rights, quality standards
- Reputational Risk: cultural religious factors, impact on brand’s image and influence of customer purchasing decisions, public perceptions of the business
- Community Conflict Risk: with whom are these risks shared? Is there competition? Power asymmetry, tensions around access to water or degradationof local water resources
- Financial Risk: what is the return on investments? Higher costs related to supply chain disruption and changes in production process
In order to assess and quantify water risks, businesses are being confronted with a number of different frameworks and tools that have recently been proposed by international organisations. WWF and DEG (2011) published a ‘Water Risk Filter’ tool for assessing potential water risk for businesses. Further water risk and management tools include GEMI – ‘Local Water Tool’; the World Business Council on Sustainability – ‘Ceres Aqua Gauge’ (2010); and the World Research Institute – ‘Aqueduct Alliance’. Most of those tools put a strong emphasis on the issue of water scarcity in developing countries and strongly encourage the need for businesses to address the issue of water risk in their supply chain; ideally through a shared risk approach. Auditing firm Deloitte is currently in the process of developing an online platform for those businesses that share a water basin.
[edit] Physical Water Risk
Physical Water Risk relates to the question of how much and what kind of renewable freshwater resources are available in the basin and how much water is withdrawn or discharged by the water users (WWF and DEG, 2011). Water quality is also and indication of physical water risk, as this can directly impact the business supply chain (Ceres, 2009). Businesses may often rely heavily on available freshwater resources for their business operations, particularly in the case of beverage or food production companies. Thus physical water risk is not necessarily a matter of water scarcity alone, but could also involve issues with water quality and even in some cases floodingevents (Pegram et al., 2009).
[edit] Regulatory Water Risk
Regulatory Water Risk is associated with strong law enforcement and regulations related to water. These include water acts and policies, water pricing and permits (WWF and DEG, 2011; Lloyd’s, 2010) In a region experiencing water scarcity or degrading water quality, the pressure of local communities on the local authorities can be so significant as to influence the allocation of water, stricter water quality standards and water discharge regulations (Ceres, 2009).
[edit] Reputational Water Risk
Reputational Water Risk relates to the brand’s image at a local and international level, in how a business is perceived by the public and stakeholders. Depending on the cultural context, the level of constructed knowledge and the influence of the media, ecological symbols and images will always be perceived in different ways by different societies and individuals (Beck, 1999). Further factors influencing the perceptions can be cultural and religious factors, as well as the history and heritage of the particular business (WWF and DEG, 2011). Media can also either destabilise or foster change by visualisation of climatic catastrophes (Beck, 2010). In Western media, climate change has often been portrayed and visualised through images of extreme droughts or flooding events. Increased mass media documentation and visualisation of global environmental change and its impact on the most vulnerable parts of societies in developing countries has increased awareness and concern of global risks in the ‘Western’ world (Beck, 2010).
Businesses can damage their reputation by gaining access to water rights over other less powerful groups such as farmers and or domestic users. Bearing in mind that subsistence farmers are highly dependent on access to water resources; a denied or restricted access could be a major threat to their livelihood. Additionally, the pollution of water resources as a part of the industrial production and operating processes can seriously threaten the good reputation of businesses on both a global and local level. In Kerala, Coca Cola was forced to close their production as result of a conflict over local water resources. Coca Cola was accused of over-extracting groundwater resources and discharging wastewater without treatment. It was claimed that Coca Cola threatened the local farmer’s livelihoods by causing water shortages and pollution (Lambooy, 2011). Eventually Coca Cola lost its license to operate in Kerala, but is still in the process of challenging this ruling (Lambooy, 2011).
[edit] Financial and Investment Water Risk
Financial and Investment Water Risk for businesses are not only driven by increased water supply prices but also from financial losses due to supply chain disruption and changes in production process (JP Morgan, 2008). Higher energy and technology costs related to water supply and discharge can also be classified as ‘financial’ water risk (Orr et al. 2009). Investment in water technology and water related disclosure requirements on investors, can be a threat to business (Lloyd’s, 2010). Businesses are interested in ensuring the long-term investment returns (Pegram et al., 2009).
Community Conflict Water Risk is about the access to sufficient water by the different users. Water scarcity and water pollution can fuel local conflicts and is closely linked to reputational water risk to business (Lloyd’s, 2010). The competition over water allocation can not only lead to tensions amongst water users but in some cases to conflicts which can result in protests or even court cases. This may not only threaten the reputation of a business but also water access and allocation permits. As has been discussed briefly in the definition of regulatory water risk, Coca Cola lost their license to operate in Kerala due protests which emerged out of conflict over local water resources (Lambooy, 2011).
[edit] Other Water Risks
Water risk can also emerge from the poor management of water resources by under-skilled and inexperienced labour forces, and water supply schemes with insufficient management structures. Furthermore, shared trans-boundary water resources can become the source of a geopolitical water risk (Lloyd’s, 2010).
[edit] Shared Water Risks
Inherent in the concept of corporate water risk is the proposed solution of ‘shared water risk’ by major international advocates. The concept of ‘shared water risk’ stresses the importance of linking the private sector and government as well as civil society in order to establish a strategy for solving or improving water scarcity challenges. A shared water risk approach would require the business to go beyond addressing and eradicating its own water risk and taking a more comprehensive approach that involves other stakeholders (Lloyd’s, 2010). WWF (2011) promotes ‘WWF Water Stewardship’ as an approach to change the behavior and performance of businesses in regards to water. This program seeks to include all stakeholders on a voluntarily basis from different political and geographical areas (WWF and DEG, 2011). Another example is the public-private initiative ‘CEO Water Mandate’ which was introduced in 2007 by the UN Global Leadership Forum. It requires businesses to pledge to improve their water management strategies by adopting water efficiency measures in their operations and supply chains (Morrison et al., 2010).
[edit] Benefits of the Concept Corporate Water Risks
The concept of water risk to business can offer a new perspective on the water challenges of the future by raising awareness among businesses. It brings the issue on the international and corporate agenda and could potentially be addressed from a top-down corporate strategic level in cooperation with governments and civil society. Lessons learned could be easier shared in the corporate world. Water risk assessment requires businesses to collect data on the water footprint and to account for water in their operations and supply chain which can be basis for water conservation and water saving approaches (Pegram et al, 2009). More data on local water usage and discharge would have to be collected. By making data publicly available businesses can more easily be held accountable by other water users. Identifying water risks of businesses can create debate and projects for sharing risk among affected water users. Sharing water risk requires different stakeholders to start a dialogue which can prevent conflict and leaves room for new ideas. It also encourages businesses to think about the long-term impact of their operations on water resources. Engaging all stakeholders and discussing a long-term vision of water demand and supply in a basin can be beneficial to the end users. The dialogues would be even more successful if they take into account other risk factors such as energy and food demand.
[edit] Limitations of the Conept of Corporate Water Risks
In regards to the recently developed global water risk assessment tools, it has to be considered that corporate water risk is a highly localized issue. Most of the global water risk assessment tools are too simplistic and do not take into account all water risks or other environmental risks that are linked to the management of water resources. Corporate water risk is not a holistic approach. It fails to capture the complexity and interactions of water with other sectors and stakeholders such as energy and food supply. The assessment of water risk involves taking into account different stakeholders and users of water and has to analyse the complex structure of water regulations, allocations, cultural perceptions, socially constructed knowledge of the environment within the uncertainties of climate change and population growth. Not all factors can be given the same weight in the assessment; the urgency and importance of the factors are highly dependent on each individual and is influenced by individual perception of risk.
[edit] WWF-DEG Water Risk Filter
Together WWF and DEG developed an online tool which allows companies to assess the water risks associated with their portfolio or individual facilities. The tool can be accessed at http://waterriskfilter.panda.org/
[edit] References
Allan, J.A., 1999. Water in International Systems: A Risk Society Analysis of Regional Problemsheds and Global Hydrologies. In SOAS Water Issue Group, Occasional Paper No 22.
Beck, U., 1999. World Risk Society. Cambridge: Polity Press.
Beck, U., 2010. Climate Change for Change, or How to Create a Green Modernity? Theory, Culture and Society, 27 (2-3), p. 254-266.
Ceres, 2009. Water Scarcity and Climate Change. Growing Risk for Business and Investors. A Ceres/Pacific Institute report Report [Online] Available at: http://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/water-scarcity-climate-change-risks-for-investors-2009/ [Accessed 08 August 2013]
Chartes, C. and Varma', S.,2010. Out of Water: From Abundance to Scarcity and how to Solve the World’s Water Problems. FT Press.
Deutz, A.,2012. Making the Business Case for Water and Green Growth. The Guardian [Online] 30 March. Available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sustainable-business/business-case-water-green-growth [Accessed 19 August 2013]
Grey, D and Sadoff, C., 2007. ‘Sink or Swim: Water Security for Growth and Development’. Water Policy, 9 (6) [Online] Available at: www.iwaponline.com/wp/00906/wp009060545.htm [Accessed 20 November 2013]
JP Morgan Chase and Co, 2008. Watching Water: A Guide to Evaluating Corporate Risks in a Thirsty World. Global Equity Research Report [Online] Available at: http://www.wri.org/publication/watching-water [Accessed 12 September 2013]
Lambooy, T., 2011. Corporate Social Responsibility: Sustainable Water Use. Journal of Cleaner Production, 19, p. 852-866.
Lloyd’s, 2010. Global Water Scarcity: Risk and Challenges for Business. Lloyd’s 360 Grad Risk Insight Report [Online] Available at: http://www.lloyds.com/News-and-Insight/News-and-Features/360-News/Environment-360/Lloyds_report_highlights_water_scarcity_threat [Accessed 21 September 2013
Mollinga, P., Gondhalekar, D., 2012.Theorising Structured Diversity: an Approach to Comparative Research on Water Resources Management. ICCWaDS Working Paper No.1 [Online] www.soas.ac.uk/water/publications/iccwads/file76157.pdf[Accessed on 23 November 2013]
Morrison, J. and Gleick, P., 2004. Freshwater Resources: Managing the Risks Facing the Private Sector. Research Paper. Oakland, California: Pacific Institute.
Orr, S., Cartwright A., Tickner, D., 2009. Understanding Water Risks: a Primer on the Consequences of Water Scarcity for Government and Business. WWF Water Security Series No 4 [Online] Available at: www. assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/understanding_water_risk.pdf [Accessed 21 August 2013]
Pegram, G., Orr, S. and Williams, C., 2009.Investigating Shared Risk in Water: Corporate Engagement with the Public Policy Process. Report'Pegasys Consulting for WWF and the HSBC Climate Partnership'''[Online] Available at: www.assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/investigating_shared_risk.pdf[Accessed 13 September 2013]</cite
WWF and DEG, 2011. Assessing Water Risk: a Practical Approach for Financial Institutions. WWF Report [Online] Available at: [| Assessing Water Risk: A Practical Approach for Financial Institutions];[Accessed 22 July W2013]
WWF, 2011. Water Stewardship: Sharing Risk and Opportunity at the Water’s Edge. WWF Factsheet [Online] Available at: www.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/water_stewardship_lowres.pdf[Accessed 15 December 2013]
