The population burden due to the climate crisis will worsen the situation in the future.
Badung, Bali (ANTARA) - The global water and climate crisis is a pressing issue facing nations worldwide, demanding solutions from stakeholders, according to an official of the Indonesian Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing.

"In recent weeks, we have been witnessing extraordinary water and climate tragedies," said Firdaus Ali, an expert staff member of the ministry.

He made his remarks during a panel discussion on "Uplifting Indonesia's Water Solution Through Innovation and Collaboration," which was part of the 10th World Water Forum in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Thursday.

He noted that the tragedies include the floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in early April 2024, which killed 176 people. Hundreds of flood victims remain missing. Floods were also recorded in Dubai in April.

People are also facing an extreme climate crisis, as indicated by high temperatures of up to 47.8 degrees Celsius, he added.

Ali, a lecturer, researcher, and expert in the field of environmental biotechnology, said that the world population is currently at its largest, at 8 billion.

"The population burden due to the climate crisis will worsen the situation in the future. Therefore, we are preparing this forum in Bali with all trust and confidence that what is discussed will create concrete solutions," he added.

The 10th World Water Forum on May 18–25 has resulted in several agreements, including preserving, protecting, and sustainably utilizing water resources, including groundwater.

The agreements also cover the inclusion of water issues in action plans, especially those related to increasing clean water, financing adaptation to climate change, preventing air, land, and water pollution, loss of biodiversity, and decline in ecosystem services.

The forum has also agreed on action to reduce pressure on water availability, including strengthening access to clean water and sanitation for all and encouraging the integrated strengthening of water resources.

Furthermore, the forum has proposed the designation of World Lakes Day in the UN process to highlight the role of natural and artificial lakes as important water resources that contribute to water availability and accessibility.

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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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