The World Economic Forum highlights an urgent need for sustainable water management, as water resources worldwide have dwindled by approximately 20% since 1900—just as global population and demand have surged. Climate change continues to disrupt precipitation patterns, and a further decline in water availability by up to 40% is anticipated. Poor land management and severe weather events exacerbate flood and landslide risks, placing critical water infrastructure at stake.

In response, major economies are committing vast resources. The United States has allocated over $100 billion to modernize and bolster water systems, and China launched a $170 billion initiative focusing on water conservation and infrastructure through 2035. Meanwhile, the European Investment Bank estimates that the European Union requires €60 billion annually to maintain and upgrade its water, energy, and transportation infrastructure. These large-scale efforts underscore a growing recognition of water's central role in global resilience.

Experts from the World Economic Forum recommend four guiding principles for ensuring fair access to water in a more water-stressed age. They urge enhanced global coordination, policy reforms geared toward sustainability, and the use of technology—including AI-driven data centers with more efficient designs—to conserve this vital resource. 

Through collaborative efforts and broader public awareness campaigns, policymakers, industries, and communities can unify fragmented endeavors and lay the groundwork for a water-secure future.

To learn more, visit "Water security: How to ensure access to water in a changing world."