Agenda Profile: Hanah Lahe
Third Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Water Act (346 SE)
2024-03-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly oriented towards environmental and resource efficiency, supporting the amendment to the Water Act as a critical step for conserving water resources and tackling the climate crisis. The approach is clearly policy- and value-driven, emphasizing the importance of implementing circular economy principles. The speaker stresses that clean water is a critically important resource, whose significance will only increase over time.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in water management and climate change, drawing upon international (UN) and national (Ministry of Climate) data regarding water scarcity and consumption growth. Specific terminology is employed (e.g., "water resource reuse," "receiving body/outlet"), and references are made to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (6, 9, 12, 14). Concrete forecasts are presented concerning the projected increase in Estonian water consumption by 2040.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, logical, and convincingly concerned, emphasizing the global and local scale of water scarcity. The speaker uses both statistical data and local examples (such as the water restrictions in Viimsi municipality) to illustrate the problem. The presentation concludes with an emotional appeal to stress the value of Estonia's water resources ("a single drop is an entire ocean for Estonians").
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Data unavailable.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker addressed colleagues with a request to support the draft bill, which indicates a willingness to cooperate in the legislative process. However, specific references to cross-party cooperation or compromises were not presented.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is divided between the global water crisis (based on UN data) and Estonia’s national water reserves, emphasizing that Estonia must value its resources. The case of restricting water usage in Viimsi municipality is cited as a local example to illustrate the current relevance of this issue in Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are strongly tied to sustainable development and the circular economy, highlighting that water reuse offers new economic opportunities. This legislative amendment will help decrease the use of potable water in industrial and agricultural operations, while simultaneously reducing the strain on water management systems.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the accessibility of clean and safe drinking water, both globally (1.8 billion people in water-stressed areas) and locally (dry wells, consumption restrictions). Emphasis is placed on valuing water as a critical resource and addressing the problem of unequal distribution.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft bill for amending the Water Act (346 SE), which the speaker strongly supports and advocates for. The goal is to create a legal framework that allows purified used water (e.g., wastewater, quarry water) to be channeled back into circulation for use in agriculture, landscaping, and industry. This amendment is considered an important step in implementing the principles of the circular economy.
1 Speeches Analyzed