It is for me and for my children

We save it today, for them tomorrow, for clean future.

what do you think Mr. Onsa

Hi Mahmoud H Osna

East or West Save Energy and Save Water is Must

Good Luck

Hi,

Leaders of nations can "do a lot" about this ?

BUT WILL THEY DO IT ??

-Sanjay

Hallo Sanjoy, on word I can add

We are the NATIONS, we will do it.

Onsa

We must integrate the idea of conserving water and energy into the school curricula as soon as possible; and as the child progresses through the school system, more complexity must be incrementally introduced. By the time a child graduates (let's say high school) he/she should have a firm grasp on what pressures our growing global population is exerting on our environment. They must be taught not only about their own country, but also must be made aware of the struggles faced by others.

This approach will do well in the Developed World and in Developing countries where education is a basic right, and not a privilege.

In places where many children are not allowed to attend school, for whatever reason (I can think of many reasons, but it is outside the scope of this discussion), then another approach must be used. Governments will have to invest heavily (if they can) in outreach programs to teach children and adults alike.

Of course nothing can substitute a solid education, but sadly, this is not possible everywhere.

Not to mention that many people do not have enough water. :(

I would recommend the use of :Law & Policies (permits), Education (Awareness creation an and  promoting Research innovations to enhance efficiency); and Taxes, fees and incentives.

The government's role should be policy and promotion of an enabling environment for utilisation of green energy,promote skills in this area and legislate on improper technologies including pollution and unsustainable use of resourced.

The leaders should set en example by being simple rather than using resources to the maximum level with their so called previlages. Being content with simple things can bring about lot of of happiness which should be taught to the children through parents. Development of a country is not indicated by just how many individuals use personnel vehicles but how many use their public transport.

I fully agree with George Rockson: Law and Policies are paramount for achieving efficient improvements in energy and water conservation. Of course, education and information, not only at school but also to professionals is necessary for implementing saving measures. However, 36 years of experience in Switzerland in building energy efficiency have shown that even when people are well informed and even when energy saving measure also save money, such measures become widely applied only when laws enforce them. 

I attach for your information a document I have prepared under a mandate of the United Nations for an african country adressing energy efficiency in buildings.

Dear Mahmoud,

What exactly do you mean by "educate the people how to conserve using energy and water"? It can be both:

I am not so familiar with public policy in developing countries, but all the developed countries have had various campaigns regarding the first aspect. Even the energy performance certificate that is compulsory in all EU countries, gives advice on possible improvements of energy efficiency of the house.

The second aspect is also covered by many campaigns of NGOs. You can find even mobile apps, like MyEarth that are trying to change everyday habits. But in my opinion,  these campaigns have a less potential to change the overall consumption than the first ones.

Cheers,

Victoria

I think the aforementioned comments are great; especially the ones from Alexandara, George, & Claude-Alain.

In my opinion (based on my research on the same topic with emphasis on water in developing countries); policy makers need to be "carefully" ambitious when setting targets for water conservation. In general, conservation should be fostered by a set of policy tools. I call it (Policy Salad). It ranges from pricing to non-pricing mechanisms; such as education through schools, public media, or even your water/energy bill, and the like...

I think such conservation measures should follow both top-down and bottom-up approaches. While top-down is initiated by Governments to enforce policies; bottom-up helps in identifying where is water (energy) being used and who are the "highest" consumers. This would work greatly if stakeholders are engaged.

More importantly, enabling tools for water conservation varies based on the region. For instance, pricing policies (increase water tariff) is generally seen as non-effective measure in developing countries. Most of the studies found water demand is not responsive to price increase (inelasticity). This does not throw away the viability of pricing tools. However, it is better when used with public campaigns, and educating students (school & universities).

The impact of pricing policies on demand (particularly; water) needs extensive discussion; but long story short, pricing in most cases results in social inequity. Consequently, high charges should be placed on high income households/ consumers. (Let alone the definition of high income...).

In most developing countries; women are more engaged in water-related activities than men. This should also be addressed in designing effective demand management policies. 

Rebates for water saving devices (efficient energy devices as well) can also brings potential savings. 

Despite the conservation policy, cost-benefit analysis can help identifying which policy is feasible within a specific time frame. 

In my opinion, in the context of conservative actions; the term "leaders" can also be used for "public figures" who have the potential to inspire their followers. 

Regards,

Mujahed