RBC and One Drop - Fresh Water Future
Description
Vocal Characteristics
Language
EnglishVoice Age
Middle Aged (35-54)Accents
North American (Canadian-General) North American (General)Transcript
Note: Transcripts are generated using speech recognition software and may contain errors.
since 2007 RBC, through its Blue Water Project, has made a commitment to protect the world's most precious natural resource freshwater. Over 10 years, RBC has contributed $50 million to various organizations, dedicated toe watershed protection and creating access to clean drinking water. One of the longest standing partners in that mission has been one drop. One drop believes in the combined power of providing access to safe water while inspiring behavioral changes towards water and proper hygiene practices by creating a lasting understanding through social art. RBC and one Drop hosted a series of conversations with thought leaders at the C two conference in Montreal on the freshwater future topics included big data, indigenous populations, behavior and artificial intelligence. Canada's 150th anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the role water has played in shaping the identity of Canada and to examine the future of water for a country and discuss critical questions related toe water issues. With a growing population, the demand for water is increasing and we have to dispel the national myth of limitless abundance. Sustainability has to go beyond environmentally neutral solutions. The aim can no longer be to slow or stop damage to the earth system. We have to thoughtfully restore declining earth system function and restoration. Hydrology provides hope in this regard. With amplified concerns arising from climate change. We have to ask more thought provoking questions, questions about our water consumption on water governance and policy questions on how we could bring the public and private sectors together to solve water problems. Addressing water challenges and climate change requires partnerships and collaboration. The issues air too large and the impacts to consequential to go at it alone. Technology advancements air, leading to new tools and approaches with artificial intelligence. Are there opportunities to predict, solve and better respond to water challenges? But breakthroughs in citizen science improve our collection of water data by using standardized protocols. Citizen science and community based water monitoring can provide cost effective, accurate data to decision makers. At the same time, citizen science helps increase the literacy and engagement levels around water issues in communities. How can data be optimized? And how can data sources be shared for the greater good? What does open source mean in relation toe water and how do we get there? We must recognize the water quality and infrastructure issues that continue to disrupt life in indigenous communities across Canada Way must support government plans, mobilize the right partners and commit to solving the water crisis. In these communities, any solutions have to come through an inclusive process where the consent of indigenous communities is paramount. To that end, reliable, comparable and available data is crucial with advancements in big data. How can we optimize that information to make more informed decisions and in a more timely manner, so that when urgent crisis is do arise, we are able to efficiently and rapidly deploy Resource is to address those challenges. There is a perception that water challenges are being addressed in silos by multiple players. How can we break down the silos and improve collaboration with all of the discussion about technology and data and infrastructure? A key point that cannot be overlooked is behavior. We all have the power to change consumption patterns and become water stewards. A first step in behavior change requires an understanding of how much we consume, and then comes strategies on how to be more efficient with such a precious resource. RBC thanks all of the speakers and participants at the C two conference for their help in discussing the challenges and solutions related to our freshwater future. RBC's Blue Water Project is a 10 year global charitable commitment of $50 million to help provide access to drinkable, swimmable fishable water now and for future generations.