Critical Business Actions for Achieving a Water Secure World

Key messages

• The effects of water scarcity on business, people and the planet are interlinked. Securing an adequate supply of clean water despite the damage inflicted by climate change is one of the world’s most urgent challenges.
• Economic activity can only grow if people have access to water that is safe and affordable. Yet 2.2 billion people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water.
• Although water issues often require local approaches and solutions, global disruption created by water insecurity in highly water vulnerable geographies is very real in interconnected supply chains.
• Water is both a common good and economic good, and it needs to be valued, managed and regulated accordingly.
• Water can be a universal focus for climate change and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Water’s role as an enabler and impact multiplier to transition to a green economy is critical.
• Taking action against water and climate risks within and beyond the factory gates can bring significant commercial and competitive advantages to the business sector, as well as to communities.
• Water scarcity is a complex systemic problem, and requires a three-pronged climate response: facilitate safe and affordable drinking water services; build resilience of communities; and prevent water scarcity through early action.
• Individual corporate initiatives are not enough. We need concerted, collective action to create a more water secure world, and achieve Water Security for All by 2030.