Industry experts from around the country gathered in Ekurhuleni this week, under the theme “Adapting to the New Normal”, to discuss the impact changing weather patterns are having on the worlds water supply.

Speaking at the Water Research Commission’s (WRC) biennial symposium Dhesigen Naidoo, CEO of the WRC, said the event was taking place in the time of a new world order.

He added that the world was emerging from the worst El Niño in 20 years which saw America, Africa and Asia battle some of the most challenging dry conditions in recent times; and South America into some of its most devastating floods.

“There is a steady pattern of changing weather patterns in this part of the world, becoming steadily drier over the past 20 to 50 years, with milder blue wet seasons and increasingly brown, more severe dry seasons. The world had its hottest year in 2015, a few of its hottest months ever in 2016, and a continuing trend in 2017,”he continued.

While the new normal and its implications at a local and international level were on the agenda throughout the symposium Naidoo reiterated that the discussions must be textured by a solution oriented vector.

“We do not want to consolidate the data and information to mourn the new normal, but to work out a range of interventions to enable a sustainable development pathway in the New Normal,” he explained.

Keeping an eye on SDGs

Addressing the same symposium remotely, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane, said that the challenges related to the rise of extreme weather patterns and a growing global population require robust responses to ensure the required outcomes.

“Governments also have a responsibility to ensure SDGs are realised in all countries of the world. The High Level Panel on Water (HLPW) is meeting at the United Nations this week and will be addressing the UNGA on its work.

“My expectations for the symposium are that there will be a translation of knowledge for the benefit of the world especially the under-developed. The outcomes of this symposium must also speak to a better water future, and encourage international partnerships,” the minister said.

In line with this the first day of the symposium included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the WRC and neighbouring Namibia.