The Global Water Challenge

Abstract

Water — as we know it — is a commodity, but that is about to change. Consumption patterns and levels, population growth, the need for energy, and changing climate patterns will all be arguments in that mix.¹ This will ultimately mean an increase in demand for water — in the face of a limited supply of this key resource. Usage conflicts are inevitable and will become more acute on account of wasteful use and pollution. Investments in water infrastructure as a whole will have to increase over the next few decades to be able to satisfy the growing demand. Naturally, the focus of investment in industrialized countries differs from that in developing countries and emerging markets. Further, the question is how the relationship between public and private levels will emerge in terms of the investments needed to support this evolution and create sufficient supply. Also a mix of technological solutions will be needed to enhance supply levels and support reuse. Conflicting use will be almost inevitable, and the geopolitical dimensions are the great “unknown unknowns” in this story.²