In a groundbreaking development for the water and energy sectors, researchers have unveiled an upgraded global map of inland surface waters, promising to revolutionize how we understand and manage these critical resources. The Global Lakes and Wetlands Database version 2 (GLWD v2), published in the journal ‘Earth System Science Data’, which translates to ‘Earth System Science Data’ in English, offers an unprecedented level of detail and accuracy, providing a comprehensive view of the world’s wetlands, lakes, and rivers.
At the helm of this project is Bernhard Lehner, a professor at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Lehner and his team have spent years harmonizing the latest ground- and satellite-based data products into a single, cohesive database. The result is a map that not only depicts the extent of inland waters but also classifies them based on seasonality, vegetation cover, salinity, and even their natural or artificial origins.
“The GLWD v2 is more than just a map,” Lehner explains. “It’s a tool that can help us understand the complex dynamics of our planet’s water systems. By providing a detailed classification of wetlands, we can better assess their role in carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, and biodiversity conservation.”
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. Wetlands play a crucial role in regulating greenhouse gas emissions, and understanding their distribution and dynamics can help energy companies develop more sustainable practices. For instance, the map can aid in identifying areas suitable for renewable energy projects, such as hydropower or bioenergy, while minimizing environmental impact.
Moreover, the GLWD v2 can support the energy sector in assessing water risks and opportunities. By providing detailed information on water availability and quality, the map can help energy companies make informed decisions about water use, treatment, and discharge. This is particularly important in the context of climate change, which is expected to alter water availability and quality in many regions.
The GLWD v2 also offers a unique perspective on the temporal dynamics of inland waters. By including classes that denote intrinsic temporal dynamics, the map can help researchers and practitioners understand how wetlands change over time, and how these changes might affect ecosystem services and biodiversity.
The GLWD v2 is designed to facilitate large-scale hydrological, ecological, biogeochemical, and conservation applications. It aims to support the study and protection of wetland ecosystems around the world, and to inform policy and management decisions at local, regional, and global scales.
As we look to the future, the GLWD v2 is poised to shape developments in the field of water and energy management. By providing a detailed and accurate depiction of the world’s inland waters, the map can help us better understand and manage these critical resources, and support the transition to a more sustainable and resilient future.
The GLWD v2 database is available for public use, and researchers and practitioners are encouraged to explore its potential applications. As Lehner puts it, “The GLWD v2 is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. We hope that it will inspire others to join us in our quest to understand and protect our planet’s water systems.”