Capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide and forming it into bubbles within water
In a silent revolution, the world of water is transforming, offering one of the most tangible and everyday ways to combat climate change. This shift towards carbon-neutral water can be seen in the innovative technologies and practices being adopted by companies, municipalities, and communities across Europe and Latin America.
The heart of this transformation lies in advanced water treatment and production technologies. Companies like Climeworks, for instance, use direct air capture (DAC) technology to collect atmospheric CO2 molecules, while Lanjaron and some bottled water brands opt for recycled PET bottles to reduce their carbon footprint. Even the bubbles in your drink can now be carbon-neutral, thanks to the gas collected by Climeworks being used to carbonate Valser water bottles by Coca-Cola Hellenic.
Resilient and adaptive water governance is another key approach, particularly in Latin America. By combining technical expertise with community participation, these regions are managing water sustainably while addressing climate risks. Companies like Aquaservice, which reforested areas affected by fires in Spain and joined the REDD Madre de Dios program in Peru, are leading the way.
Strict climate mitigation regulations are also essential. These set clear targets aligned with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius and incorporate binding frameworks for water-related climate action. They also regulate corporate behaviour to prevent environmental damages in the water cycle and ensure just transitions in affected communities.
Protecting and restoring biodiversity and key ecosystems, such as wetlands, mangroves, and river basins, are critical for climate resilience and water sustainability. Galician company Cabreiroá, for example, offsets its residual impact with reforestation projects in Brazil.
Securing financing and integrating water sector policies within broader climate neutrality strategies are also crucial. This includes utilizing renewable hydrogen and green investments to support technological innovation and infrastructure upgrades needed for low-carbon water management.
Veolia, a leader in this process, identifies water capture, network losses, and the use of reactive chemicals with high environmental footprint as critical points. The company's +Positive service aims to help public and private entities achieve water neutrality through measures such as integrating renewable energies, improving treatment plant efficiency, and optimizing distribution networks to avoid losses.
The path to carbon neutrality in the water industry doesn't depend on a single technological innovation but on a systemic vision. Choosing a bottle that breathes less carbon and more future can be a simple gesture towards combating climate change. Making water carbon neutral sends a clear message that climate neutrality can be integrated into daily lives without complications or sacrifices. Producing less water is as important as producing it better, according to Yago Lorenzo, the director of Veolia's +Positive service.
Several companies are already walking this path. Galician company Cabreiroá has operated with 100% renewable energies and offset its residual impact with reforestation projects in Brazil, achieving climate neutrality of its facilities since 2021. Aquaservice became the first water company to obtain AENOR's Carbon Neutral certification in 2022. Lanjaron, too, reduced its impact by opting for 100% recycled PET bottles in 2022.
In the urban water cycle, greenhouse gas emissions are generated. By addressing these points systemically, Europe and Latin America are paving the way for a future where water consumption is not just sustainable but carbon-neutral. This silent revolution is not just about technology; it's about a shift in mindset, a commitment to a greener future, and a recognition that every drop counts.
- Advanced water treatment and production technologies, such as those used by Climeworks and Lanjaron, are key to the transformation of the world of water and combating climate change.
- Companies like Aquaservice, which combines technical expertise with community participation, are leading the way in resilient and adaptive water governance in Latin America.
- Strict climate mitigation regulations, which set clear targets for water-related climate action, are essential for ensuring just transitions in affected communities and preventing environmental damages in the water cycle.
- Galicia-based companies, including Cabreiroá and Aquaservice, have already achieved climate neutrality of their facilities through the use of renewable energies and reforestation projects.
