Ensuring Prosperity in a Water-stressed World

The world runs on water. Ample, clean water is vital for human health, industry, agriculture and energy production. Yet the world’s water systems face formidable threats due to unsustainable management and climate change.

As many as 4 billion people are exposed to water stress conditions for at least one month a year — half of these people, 25% of the world’s population, experience extremely high-water stress. Demand for water is projected to increase by up to 30% by 2050, driven by population growth, socioeconomic development, and changing consumption patterns. Water-related conflicts and political instability are on the rise. And climate change is worsening the problem, intensifying floods and droughts, shifting precipitation patterns and fueling sea level rise. Already, 90% of natural disasters from 1995-2015 were water- or heat-related.

WRI works with countries, cities and companies to build a water-secure future.

We produce innovative data and analysis tools to help decision-makers understand current and future water risks. We identify ways for policymakers to build water resilience, prevent water-related conflicts and invest in nature-based solutions. We guide companies on water stewardship initiatives that can reduce financial risk and improve collective water security. And we work with cities to expand water access and address the root problems of water insecurity to create more resilient communities.