Achievement of SDGs depends on the wise use of the water resources and appropriate climate actions, among others. However, sustainable use, management, and governance of water resources considering multiple sectors (e.g., energy, water, environment, etc.) and dimensions (e.g. social, economic and environment) in the context of climate change is a challenging as well as rewarding endeavor. It is therefore imperative to make the best use of hydro‐ and climate‐sciences and associated tools/techniques for localizing and mainstreaming global commitments such as the 2030‐Agenda (or SDGs), without which realizing the global commitments is less likely. The term “localizing” here refers to customizing the global commitments to local contexts (national and sub‐national levels) in terms of targets and internalizing through adequate provisioning of resources, both financial and human. In this context, this chapter sheds light on the evolution of water and climate as global agenda; formulation and governance of SDGs; linkages between water, climate change, and SDGs; and challenges and opportunities associated with localizing the global commitments. This chapter highlights how the organization of the contents and chapters covered in this book addresses the close connectivity among the three issues, namely, water, climate change, and sustainable development.
1.2 EVOLUTION OF WATER AND CLIMATE CHANGE AS GLOBAL AGENDAS
The water and climate change are high profile political agenda, they have implications at different scales, and solutions are usually context‐specific. Range of actions at different spatial and temporal scales are required to address challenges of water management and climate change at the global level. This section highlights how water and climate change evolved over the time to become global agenda.
1.2.1 Evolution of Water as a Global Agenda
History of water use, evolution of water management paradigm, and associated aspects are well documented in Hassan (2011), and context of increasing realization of water’s role in the overall development process in Biswas (1983). Here we synthesize the evolution from the lens of water as a political and governance issue.
Table 1.1 Selected global initiatives in the areas of environment, water and climate.
| S.N | Year | Name of the Initiative | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 2016 | The New Urban Agenda | It was adopted at the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) in Quito, Ecuador, on 20 October 2016. It was endorsed by the UN General Assembly at its 68th plenary meeting of the 71st session on 23 December 2016. It represents a shared vision for a better and more sustainable future. |
| 2. | 2015 | Paris Climate Agreement (PCA) | A global agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) dealing with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance starting from 2020. It was adopted by consensus by 195 state parties on 12 December 2015 at the 21st Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC in Paris. This agreement went into effect from 4 November 2016. It is the post‐Kyoto Protocol measures for curbing greenhouse gas emission. |
| 3. | 2015 | Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all UN Member States through UN Sustainable Development Summit held in September 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and planet, now and into the future. There are 17 SDGs, which are an urgent call for action by all countries in a global partnership. |
| 4. | 2015 | Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) | The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015‐2030 was adopted at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction in Sendai Japan in 2015. It includes seven targets and four priorities for action to reduce the occurrence and impact of disasters resulting from natural hazards. Among those priorities, the Sendai Framework calls for the strengthening and implementation of global mechanisms on hydro‐meteorological issues. |
| 5. | 2005 | Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) | The World Conference on Disaster Reduction in 2005, 168 states adopted the first global framework for DRR. The core of the Hyogo Framework Action 2005‐2015 consists of three strategic goals, a number of guiding principles, five priorities for action, and considerations for implementation and follow up. |
| 6. | 2000 | Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) | The MDGs are eight goals with measureable targets and clear deadlines for improving the lives of the world’s poorest people, agreed by leaders of 189 countries in the form of millennium declaration at the UN Millennium Summit in 2000. |
| 7. | 1997 | Kyoto Protocol | Signed in 1997 and came into effect from 2005 commits state parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions based on the premise that global warming exists, and that human‐made CO2 has caused it. This is a first of its kind agreement which has currently 192 parties to it, which divides the countries in Annexed and non‐Annexed countries thus distinguishing between the developing and developed world in combating climate change |
| 8. | 1996 | United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) | Signed in 1996 and came into effect in 1996, it is a convention to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought through national action programs that incorporate long term strategies supported by international cooperation and partnership agreements. |
| 9. | 1993 | Convention on Biological Diversity | It is a multilateral treaty with three main goals – conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. Its objective is to develop national strategies for conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. It is a key document regarding sustainable development. It was drafted on 22 May 1992, signed during 5 June 1992 to 4 June 1993, and became effective from 29 December, 1993. It has been ratified by 30 States. |
| 10. | 1992 | United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) |
The first UN Conference on Environment and Development (or Rio Conference
|