World Leaders Urged to Tackle Water and Climate Crises

The global climate and water crises took center stage at COP29 as Hamza Farrukh, founder and CEO of Bondh E Shams (The Solar Water Project), delivered a compelling virtual address from Stanford University. Speaking with urgency and conviction, Hamza urged world leaders to prioritize actionable solutions to tackle the intertwined challenges of climate change and water scarcity. His message resonated strongly: vulnerable communities must be at the forefront of global climate action.

“Climate change is water change,” Hamza emphasized. “For billions, this crisis is not an abstract issue—it’s a daily battle for survival.”

The Dire State of Water and Climate Insecurity

Hamza pointed to the catastrophic 2022 floods in Pakistan as a stark example of the climate crisis’ tangible impact. These floods displaced 33 million people and left countless families without access to clean water, highlighting the immediate need for scalable solutions. For nations like Pakistan, which are disproportionately affected by climate change, the stakes are higher than ever.

The relationship between climate change and water insecurity cannot be overstated. Rising global temperatures exacerbate water scarcity, affecting billions of people, particularly in developing nations. Hamza’s address underscored the urgency of addressing these crises together, rather than as isolated challenges.

Innovation in Action: The OASIS Box

At the heart of Hamza’s message is innovation. His organization, Bondh E Shams, has developed the OASIS Box™, a groundbreaking solar-powered water filtration system. This portable technology can produce up to 10,000 liters of clean drinking water daily, offering a sustainable solution to water scarcity.

What sets the OASIS Box apart is its scalability and environmental impact. As part of Pakistan’s first Gold Standard-certified carbon-offset water purification initiative, the project not only addresses water insecurity but also significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The “OASIS Box Sustainable Project (GS11721)” exemplifies how clean technology can tackle dual crises effectively.

With adequate funding, this project could impact 140,000 people, prevent 250,000 tons of carbon emissions, and generate local employment opportunities, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Challenging Global Funding Priorities

Hamza’s speech also addressed a pressing issue: the imbalance in global funding priorities. Current investments heavily favor nascent carbon removal technologies, which account for less than 3% of global emission reductions, while scalable carbon avoidance projects like Bondh E Shams often struggle to secure adequate funding.

To bridge this gap, Hamza advocated for stronger public-private partnerships. These collaborations, he argued, are essential to empower early-stage climate solutions and enable projects like the OASIS Box to reach more communities worldwide.

“Supporting innovative, scalable solutions is not just a necessity—it’s a responsibility,” Hamza stated. His words challenged policymakers and investors to reevaluate their priorities and align them with urgent, real-world needs.

A Vision for Global Impact

Hamza’s address was not only a critique but also a call for hope and collaboration. He painted a vivid picture of the future, where projects like the OASIS Box could expand to countries such as Kenya, Nepal, and Brazil. “Together, where could we go next?” he asked. “If you, the policymakers and funders, help break down barriers, we, the implementers, are ready to deliver real change.”

This vision underscores the potential of collaborative action in addressing global challenges. By uniting policymakers, investors, and innovators, transformative solutions can be scaled to benefit communities worldwide.

The Role of the Pakistan Pavilion at COP29

The Pakistan Pavilion at COP29 serves as a hub for showcasing innovative solutions like the Solar Water Project. It invites global leaders, policymakers, and investors to explore partnerships that can amplify the impact of these technologies.

For Bondh E Shams, this platform is an opportunity to connect with key stakeholders and inspire a collective commitment to sustainability. The initiative not only highlights Pakistan’s leadership in climate innovation but also reinforces the country’s role as a vital player in the global fight against climate change.

The Human Impact of Innovation

Beyond the numbers and technologies, Hamza’s work is about people. His efforts are aimed at empowering the most vulnerable communities, ensuring they have access to basic necessities like clean water. For those displaced by disasters or living in regions where water is scarce, innovations like the OASIS Box represent hope and resilience.

The initiative also prioritizes community involvement, creating jobs and fostering local ownership of sustainable solutions. This human-centered approach amplifies the impact of technological advancements, making them more accessible and meaningful.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

Hamza Farrukh’s address at COP29 serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency and scale of the challenges we face. Climate change and water insecurity are intertwined crises that demand innovative, scalable solutions and a collaborative global effort.

Projects like the OASIS Box demonstrate that it is possible to tackle these challenges while reducing emissions and empowering communities. However, achieving this vision requires rethinking funding priorities and strengthening partnerships between public and private sectors.

As Hamza eloquently put it, “Together, we can deliver real change.” By heeding this call to action, global leaders can help pave the way for a sustainable future where no one is left behind.