Exploring the Water/ Energy Link

Blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Company
Jan 27, 2011 10:04 AM ET

Taiga Company blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Compa…

"Filthy water cannot be washed."  West African Proverb  

Major investment is flocking to the world’s water resources, with tycoons referring to water as the new carbon.  Originally a clean water discussion, water for energy production is beginning to receive main-stream attention.   While the energy side often receives much of the publicity, individuals and business are becoming aware of the link to water.  Most people understand that it takes energy to produce water and that water can produce energy (hydroelectric power); however, the complexity of the relationship can be seen in just about every aspect of our society.   •    Water and energy are essential to every aspect of life: social equity, ecosystem integrity, economic and business sustainability.   •    Water is used to generate energy; energy is used to provide water.   •    Water and energy are used to produce crops; crops can in turn be used to generate energy through biofuels.    Recent growth in eco awareness has accelerated research to expand within technical circles towards framing the water and energy related issues and searching for solutions. A report by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development discusses the complexities and interrelationships between water, energy and climate change.   The report comments: “If we truly want to find sustainable solutions, we must ensure that we address all three in a holistic way.  They are pieces of the same puzzle and therefore it is not practical to look at them in isolation.”   Leading businesses are beginning to understand the implications of the water/energy link and are improving business sustainability through the implementation of best practices.  Click here to continue reading.
 

Home to one third of the earth's trees, the Taiga is the largest land-based biosphere and encircles the globe. Its immense oxygen production literally changes the atmosphere and refreshes the planet. It is this continuous renewal that has shaped Taiga Company's vision to drive similar change in the business world. Taiga Company seeks to be the "oxygen for your business".

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