COP30 — the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference — has shown that water efficiency is an opportunity and not an obstacle, argues Deirdre Michie, Chair of Scottish Water .

At this year’s COP30 in Brazil the focus has been on turning promises into action — with water at the heart of the conversation.

One of the key themes is Cities, Infrastructure and Water, recognising that how we manage this essential resource underpins everything from climate resilience to economic growth.

Discussions have explored building water-smart infrastructure, strengthening community resilience, and integrating water into national climate plans.

As the summit has unfolded, water has been more explicitly elevated in the negotiations — not just as a side issue, but as a connector between mitigation, adaptation and resilience.

COP30 has offered a global platform to show that investing in water efficiency and resilience isn’t just an environmental priority — it’s a cornerstone of sustainable economies.

Water is life. At

© Herald Scotland