What is GenWater all about?
GenWater connects businesses and professionals to tackle our most pressing water issues! It’s a platform designed to bridge the gap between the urgent water challenges we face and the skills shortage in the water sector. Climate risk is mostly water risk, with a staggering 90% of all natural disasters being water-related. Yet, water often gets overlooked in climate conversations. GenWater steps in to change that narrative by focusing squarely on water — our most critical natural resource.
The main benefit: Why GenWater matters
Here’s why GenWater is making waves:
- 90% of natural disasters are water-related — that’s huge.
- Climate risk is predominantly water risk, yet water is often sidelined in climate talks.
- The water sector faces a significant skills shortage, creating a gap that needs urgent attention.
- GenWater offers a water job board, connecting talent with opportunities.
- It provides a knowledge base covering water issues across various sectors and countries.
- There’s also guidance and resources for anyone interested in diving into water-related fields.
The story behind GenWater
GenWater’s journey began with Yongsi Chen, the founder, who had what he calls his “green bug” moment back in 2018. Picture this: Beijing, one of the worst smog events, and a moment that sparked a career switch from translation to sustainability. Yongsi’s path wasn’t straightforward — he pursued a Master’s in Carbon Management but still had tons of questions about what kind of work he could do and how to break into the industry. That curiosity led to the Greensider podcast, where he interviewed “green insiders” to inspire and inform others. Over time, Greensider evolved into GenWater, narrowing its focus to water — the resource that truly matters most.
How GenWater supports the water community
GenWater isn’t just a platform; it’s a community. Since its inception, Yongsi has had incredible support from family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. This collective effort has helped build a space where people can come together, share knowledge, and collaborate on water challenges. The archives hold a treasure trove of past work and achievements, showing the evolution from broad sustainability topics to a laser focus on water. It’s about creating connections and empowering people to make a real difference.
Why water deserves more attention
Water is central to climate risk and natural disasters, yet it often flies under the radar in climate discussions. This oversight is a problem because managing water resources effectively is key to tackling climate change impacts. GenWater shines a spotlight on this critical issue, emphasizing that addressing water challenges is not just about conservation but also about resilience, innovation, and sustainable development. The platform’s resources and community aim to elevate water’s role in the global conversation.
GenWater’s impact on sustainable development goals
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation — promoting access and sustainable management of water.
- SDG 13: Climate Action — addressing water-related climate risks.
- SDG 15: Life on Land — protecting ecosystems dependent on water.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — fostering collaboration across sectors and countries.
Looking ahead with GenWater
Excitement is high for this new chapter. GenWater continues to evolve, driven by a mission that hasn’t changed since day one: bringing people together to build a more sustainable future. It’s a journey fueled by passion, collaboration, and the belief that tackling water challenges requires a united effort. Whether it’s through sharing knowledge, connecting professionals, or inspiring action, GenWater is carving out a vital space in the sustainability landscape — one drop at a time.
