As global temperatures continue to rise, people around the globe will have to figure out how to manage with less water.
This week we looked at how one city united to tackle its water crisis, and found other tales of people coming together and turning around bleak situations.
Krista Mahr visited South Africa’s second city to find out how they did it, and what lessons can be learned by cities facing up to similar emergencies.
In Todmorden, residents got their hands dirty and found a solution.
Naomi Larsson visited the tiny Yorkshire town from which a global movement has grown.
What we heard: My local community got permission to turn disused land surrounded by houses into a community garden.
We grow far more food than we can eat ourselves so we hold public open days and donate excess to the local community centre, who distribute it to those who need it.
Commenter Cade writing below the line on our piece about guerilla gardening It’s fantastic that they averted this, but surely one of the takeaways is that people are capable of living with less and moderating their habits if they understand the consequences – or if the consequences are severe enough.
Thomas1178 writing below the line on Cape Town’s comeback from water disaster Where was the upside?
If there is a story, innovation or trailblazer you think we should report on, write to us at theupside@theguardian.com Voting is now open for the 15th Observer Food Monthly Awards, so don’t miss your chance to support the best ethical food project of 2018.