Fresh Water
Curation: Circle of Blue
Securing an adequate supply of clean water despite the damage inflicted by climate change is one of the world’s most urgent challenges. Billions of people live without safe drinking water and sanitation, and severe tropical storms, drought, and the depletion of rivers and aquifers have forced many to move into cities or across international borders in ways that impact domestic politics. Rural livelihoods often depend on agriculture, which accounts for roughly three-quarters of global freshwater withdrawals – and pollutes watersheds in the world’s breadbaskets. Meanwhile energy producers and heavy industry use substantial amounts of water, and are a source of pollution. These issues can be addressed with better planning, cooperation, and regulation, and through increased investment, data analysis, and innovation.
This briefing is based on the views of a wide range of experts from the World Economic Forum’s Expert Network and is curated in partnership with J. Carl Ganter, Managing Director, Circle of Blue, Brett Walton, Water News Correspondent, Circle of Blue, and Cody Pope, Senior Producer, Circle of Blue. The content does not necessarily reflect the views of the Forum.
Created by Circle of Blue, licensed for personal/academic use only, not for reproduction.
© 2025 World Economic Forum.