CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION THROUGH RAIN & WASTEWATER HARVESTING

Abstract

Climate change is a pressing global concern affecting both urban and rural communities worldwide, leading to water scarcity and impacting sustainability. Rising global temperatures, droughts, and heat waves have reduced water availability for agriculture and domestic use. Fluctuations in freshwater resources result from changing rainfall patterns and glacier depletion, exacerbated by the increasing global population. Rainwater harvesting and wastewater reuse emerge as vital approaches to address these challenges. Collecting and storing water from various surfaces to supplement freshwater resources can help conserve water and cope with scarcity. Similarly, treating and reusing wastewater for non-potable purposes, like irrigation and industrial processes, reduces strain on freshwater sources and promotes sustainability. These methods also have positive implications for climate change mitigation by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions associated with freshwater treatment and transport. However, several challenges, such as water quality concerns and significant infrastructure and education investments, need to be addressed for effective implementation. In the context of Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province with limited water resources due to the absence of glaciers and low rainfall, rain and wastewater harvesting offer potential solutions. Though not suitable for drinking, these techniques can alleviate water scarcity by reducing pressure on freshwater sources and aid in climate change mitigation efforts. To fully realize the benefits of rainwater and wastewater harvesting, it is crucial to overcome technical, regulatory, and social barriers that currently hinder their widespread adoption, as they present promising opportunities to combat water crises and climate change.