Speaking at the fifth World Water Forum—now drawing to a close in Istanbul–executives of some of the world's largest businesses called on climate change agreement negotiators to link and consider water, energy and climate change issues in an integrated fashion in critical, upcoming international negotiations.
"Water plays a central role in many of the world's most pressing issues, among them climate change, energy security and the need to spur economic growth. The time has passed for commitment alone – we must act," ITT Corp.'s CEO Steve R. Loranger said in a World Business Council for Sustainable Development media release.
"Water is everybody's business. It is used to generate energy, and energy is used to provide water. Climate change will affect the use and availability of both. It is important that we get the policies right," said Björn Stigson, the organization's president.
– Encourage best practice through innovation, appropriate solutions and community engagement.