Urbanisation and climate change call for improved wastewater management

Extensive urbanisation has led to the formation of thousands of square kilometres of impermeable areas built with concrete and asphalt that do not allow water to be absorbed into the ground. 22-04-2024

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Cities around the world are now suffering from the effects of rapid urbanisation, and combined with extreme climate changes, it is resulting in water shortages, water pollution, and ﬂooding.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the leading environmental agency of the UN, reports that approximately 80% of all wastewater is discharged directly into nature without any treatment or processing (Source: unep.org, 2019).

At the same time, the International Energy Agency (IEA), has calculated that untreated wastewater impacts the climate three times as much as treated wastewater when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions.

AVK develops, manufactures, and markets products of a specially designed quality that can handle the aggressive substances in wastewater management.

We depend on nature for the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. Yet, we have brought chaos to the natural world. We must act – and act now – to create a better future for us all.

António Guterres
Secretary-General of the United Nations

Today, at International Mother Earth Day we want to highlight a wastewater management project that we are a part of in Shanghai.

Appropriate wastewater management

AVK collaborates with Zhuyuan Wastewater Treatment Plant in Shanghai to upgrade the capacity of No. 2 Wastewater Treatment Plant.

In Shanghai, urban development strains wastewater management, which is why this project plays an important role in contributing to improve the city’s wastewater management.

The project has reduced the risk of overflows during both dry and rainy seasons, resulting in increased operational efficiency and greater resilience to flood disasters. In addition, it contributes to the UN’s broader Sustainable Development Goals on sustainable water management in urban areas.

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Case

Ensuring proper wastewater management

The project includes several upgrades aimed at improving wastewater distribution and management. Central to the upgrade of the Zhuyuan Wastewater Treatment Plant in Shanghai is the improvement of the overall distribution well, which works as the central hub for the distribution of wastewater in the Zhuyuan treatment plants.

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International Mother Earth Day

Mother Earth is clearly urging a call to action. Climate change, man-made changes to nature as well as disruption of biodiversity, such as deforestation, land-use change, intensified agriculture and livestock production or the growing illegal wildlife trade, can accelerate the speed of destruction of the planet.

The General Assembly designated 22 April as International Mother Earth Day through a resolution adopted in 2009. The original roots go back to the 1970s when environmental protection was not yet a priority of the national political agendas.

For this International Mother Earth Day, let's remind ourselves - more than ever - that we need a shift to a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet.

Source: un.org