

We are living through a climate and ecological emergency, where the combined impacts of climate change, pollution, and the biodiversity crisis pose unprecedented threats to our water environment. As these challenges grow, the water sector plays a crucial role in supporting communities and businesses to build resilience, while helping nature adapt and thrive. At the heart of this mission are the members of CIWEM, the greatest strength, working to protect, enhance, and adapt water systems for the benefit of all.
CIWEM believes in empowering people, prioritising the planet, and looking ahead to drive meaningful change. Hannah Burgess, CIWEM’s President, reflects on how the impacts of climate change have shifted from distant projections to an undeniable reality we now face. The conversation surrounding climate change is constant, and we know there is much more to come.
Likewise, Peter Rook, Junior President at CIWEM, highlights how the next generation is stepping up with fresh perspectives, ready to build a future where communities play a central role in sustainable water management. Together, we can create a sector that not only rises to the challenges of today but also equips us for the future.
Empowering individuals is key to building climate resilience. The water and environmental sectors must come together for collective action; how far will your ripple spread?