The CREW Water Group – campaigning for cleaner, sustainable oceans/rivers and also adaptive measures to cope with the consequences of climate change.

We have identified 2 key issues:
1. Climate change
2. Conservation and sustainability

What has WATER got to do with climate change?
Water and climate change are inextricably linked. We feel its impacts through worsening floods, rising sea levels, shrinking ice fields, wildfires, and droughts. Extreme weather events are making water more scarce, more unpredictable, more polluted or all three. These impacts throughout the water cycle threaten sustainable development, biodiversity, and people’s access to clean water and sanitation.
However, water can fight climate change. Sustainable water management is central to building the resilience of societies and ecosystems and to reducing carbon emissions.

Everyone has a role to play – actions at the individual and household levels are very important.

So, what are the main issues?

Rising Sea Levels One of the most direct impacts of climate change on water is the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps, which contributes to rising sea levels. This phenomenon poses a serious threat to coastal communities worldwide, leading to increased coastal flooding  and erosion.

Extreme Weather Events Climate change is linked to more frequent and intense weather events, such as hurricanes, typhoons, and heavy rainfall. These events can lead to flooding, landslides, and the displacement of communities, causing significant damage to water systems and infrastructure. Droughts and water shortages can disrupt water availability for agriculture, industry, and daily life.

Ocean Acidification Increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere not only contribute to global warming but also lead to ocean acidification when CO2 is absorbed by the oceans. Ocean acidification can harm marine ecosystems and affect the availability of seafood, which is an essential source of nutrition for many communities.

Disruption of Water Cycles Climate change can disrupt the Earth’s water cycles, leading to changes in the timing and intensity of rainfall and snowmelt. This can impact the availability of freshwater resources, which are crucial for drinking water, agriculture, and ecosystems. Methane Emissions from Wetlands: Wetlands are natural sources of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. As temperatures rise, wetlands may
release more methane, further exacerbating global warming.

Conservation and Sustainability
Conservation and sustainability of our oceans and rivers refer to the responsible management and protection of marine environments to ensure their long-term health and productivity.
The conservation and sustainability of the seas and rivers are influenced by a wide range of factors, including both natural and human-related factors. There are several key factors that affect the conservation and sustainability of the sea and rivers including: Overfishing: overharvesting of marine resources can deplete fish stocks and disrupt marine ecosystems.

Habitat destruction Coastal development, coral reef destruction, and the alteration of coastal ecosystems can disrupt marine life.

Pollution from sources such as industrial discharges, agriculture runoff, and plastic waste can harm marine life and ecosystems. Sewage pollution in British seas and rivers has been a long-standing environmental issue. Several factors contribute to this problem including, ageing Infrastructure, Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), population growth and urbanisation, agricultural runoff, inadequate sewage treatment, and lack of regulation and enforcement.

Core Aims of the Water Group

Rising seas:
1. Community Engagement and Education: encourage local communities to get involved in the decision-making process and educate them about the risks and adaptation measures.
2. Campaign for better elevated structures and flood barriers and sea walls to protect against storm surges and high tides.
3. Campaign to establish and improve early warning systems to alert residents about impending storms and rising sea/river levels, to give them time to evacuate.
4. Campaign for a Green Infrastructure: Integrate green infrastructures such as green roofs, permeable pavements, trees and urban green spaces to absorb water and reduce the urban heat island effect.
5. Demand from our politicians and environmental bodies research on sea level rise and its impact to better understand and predict changes.

Extreme weather events:
1. Educate local communities about water conservation measures: encourage residents to conserve water in their daily lives. This can include fixing leaks, using low-flow fixtures, and adopting water-efficient landscaping practices.
2. Support Sustainable Agriculture: Promote and support local agriculture practices that are more water-efficient and environmentally sustainable. This can include encouraging the use of drip irrigation, crop rotation, and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers.
3. Implement Green Infrastructure: Encourage/support development of green infrastructure projects, such as green roofs, permeable pavement, and urban forests, to help manage stormwater and reduce the risk of flooding and water pollution.
4. Educate the Community: Raise awareness about climate change and its impact on water resources through educational events.
5. Advocate for Policy Changes: Work with local and regional governments to advocate for policies that address climate change and water issues. This can include regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable land use planning, and water conservation measures.
6. Manage Stormwater: Encourage/support the Implementation of sustainable stormwater management practices to reduce the risk of flooding and water pollution. This may involve creating or restoring wetlands, ponds, and other natural systems that can absorb excess rainwater.
7. Reduce Waste and Pollution: Encourage practices that reduce pollution and waste, such as recycling, proper disposal of hazardous materials, and limiting the use of single-use plastics.
8. Community Engagement: Engage with residents and businesses to develop community-driven solutions.
9. Collaborate Regionally: Recognize that many water issues are not confined to one community, and collaborating with neighbouring communities and regional entities can be more effective in addressing shared water challenges.
10. Emergency Preparedness: Develop and communicate emergency preparedness plans for extreme weather events, particularly those related to water, such as floods and droughts.

Conservation and Sustainability
1. Sea and river pollution: campaign to improve infrastructure, upgrading sewage treatment facilities, implementing and enforcing regulations, promoting public awareness, and encouraging sustainable practices in agriculture and urban planning.
2. Launch public awareness campaigns to educate individuals and businesses about the impact of sewage on water quality. Encourage responsible disposal of waste and discourage practices like flushing non-biodegradable items down toilets.
3. Encourage/educate the local community in water quality improvement initiatives. Encourage community-led clean-up efforts and awareness programmes.
4. Sea Kelp: support the regrowing of sea kelp which can play a role in mitigating some of the effects of climate change and contributing to the health of marine ecosystems.
5. Encourage/support the community to only buy sustainably-caught fish.