Time is running out – the future of water requires action

Water is crucial for life, societal development, and welfare – but in our part of the world, it is often taken for granted. With climate change and increased global uncertainty, secure water supply is no longer a given.

How do we ensure water availability in a time marked by climate crisis, drought, and heavy rainfall? This was the central question when RISE gathered experts, decision-makers, and innovators at the Forum Samhällsbyggnad 2025 in Malmö.

The moderator for the day was Magnus Arnell, a researcher at RISE and program manager for the innovation program Water Wise Societies. He set the tone for the conference:

- We have historically been spoiled with water in Sweden. We have had plenty of high-quality water. But we see increasing challenges related to water, both now and in the future.

But how can we prepare for the future when there is so much uncertainty? Johan Granberg, an analyst at RISE and a doctoral student at the Swedish Defence University, and Robert Gladh, a project manager in water supply at RISE, opened the conference by discussing uncertainties and choices for the future of water.

- The future is uncertain and constantly changing. Through structured methods, we can prepare for different scenarios and thereby reduce surprises when changes occur. But understanding alone is not enough. It must also lead to action, even if it feels uncomfortable and uncertain. Because it doesn't become less uncertain just because you wait, said Johan Granberg.

One shared water

Climate change is rapidly changing the rules of the game. We see more downpours, floods, and rising sea levels – while periods of drought and water scarcity become more common. Drinking water is also threatened by new, often unknown pollutants that require new technology, increased knowledge, and cross-sector collaboration.

The challenges require a holistic approach – a system change where municipalities, authorities, researchers, companies, and citizens collaborate around common goals, share data, and promote an innovation-driven culture.

Susann Milenkovski, environmental strategist at Region Skåne, together with Shane Carnohan, researcher at RISE, and Marie Karlberg, project manager in industrial transition at RISE, presented challenges and solutions related to water supply in Skåne. How water, as a shared and cross-border resource, requires shared responsibility and cooperation between municipalities to be managed sustainably.

- We need to zoom out and plan society from a watershed perspective. It is only when we collectively take primary responsibility for our shared natural resources that we can manage goal conflicts and give nature's resources the same priority as growth and development. With common tools, increased knowledge, and cooperation in inter-municipal management, we can take joint responsibility for our water supply and plan sustainably in a real way, said Susann Milenkovski.

Continuing on the theme 'One Water – One Resource,' Anna Maria Sundin, project manager at RISE, and Stina Bertilsson Vuksan, environmental strategist in Helsingborg city, highlighted the fact that Sweden faces significant investment needs in the water and sewage sector while requiring a transition to circular, resource-efficient solutions. It is not just about securing drinking water and wastewater treatment but also about recovering nutrients, energy, and water in treatment plants – something that demands innovation, collaboration, new business models, and legislation.

- Water and sewage are an integrated part of society, and overall, this service works well – we deliver water to households, businesses, and industry. At the same time, we face climate challenges, with increased risks of both downpours and drought. This means we must work more actively to create water-resilient communities, use water more wisely, and take advantage of the resources that water actually contains, said Anna Maria Sundin

Reduced water usage through behavior change

Åsa Håkansson, technical manager at Sydvatten, and Sandra Nordström, communication strategist at the same organization, shared their work to create sustainable solutions for future water usage. Together with Josefin Klingberg, project manager in water supply at RISE, they discussed the complex factors affecting water resources in the region and the long-term efforts to reduce water usage.

- To reduce water usage, we need to work with both technology and behavior changes, not either or. And when it comes to influencing people's behavior, communication plays a central role. If we can get people to understand the value of water and that water is a natural resource that should be sufficient for many and for much, then perhaps we can achieve a behavior change that reduces water usage in society by using water in a more sustainable way, said Sandra Nordström.

How do we climate-proof our societies for the future?

The final session focused on climate-proofed cities and communities as downpours, floods, and fires become more common with climate change. On stage were Stina Stenquist, research coordinator with a focus on climate adaptation at RISE, Karvel Andersen, technical specialist at Stockholmshem, Per Törnqvist, Head of Group Ratings at Danske Bank, Niklas Thidevall, lawyer and policy researcher at RISE, and Tommy Danielsson, senior planning strategist at Kristianstad Municipality.

Downpours and floods are already a recurring problem, both internationally and nationally, with significant economic consequences. But the question posed is: who should bear these costs and how can we prevent damage?

- The distribution of responsibility and cooperation between public and private actors is central, and therefore we work broadly with all actors in this chain. Together with property owners, municipalities, insurance companies, banks, and other actors, we develop systems and solutions to protect our communities from the growing climate-related risks and to ensure that our buildings withstand future weather challenges, said Stina Stenquist.

An urgent problem that requires multiple solutions.

Maciej Zakrzewski, Head of Infrastructure at RISE, summarized a packed day filled with many interesting perspectives:

- There are many thoughts. There are many ideas. It is clear that there is not ONE solution. We need to work with policy, technical solutions, communication, and behavior changes. It's not about either or – we need to work with everything to have an effect.

He continued to emphasize the importance of swift action and RISE's central role in the transition:

- What strikes me is a sense of urgency. Because it is urgent. Developing the solutions is just the beginning. We must maintain a high pace, dare to scale up, and ensure that the solutions reach their destination. And here, RISE plays an incredibly important role as a change engine that contributes to structural transformation. We assist with research, expertise, and the actual opportunities to go from idea to action.

With the insight into the need for speed and collaboration, he finally highlighted the importance of a bold and innovative approach to meet future demands:

- Daring to think anew is no longer optional. It is an absolute necessity. Innovation is not just a tool for growth but a survival strategy.