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Switched On

Liquid Demand: Tech Solutions for Water Stress

Mar 20, 2025
Stephanie Diaz, a BNEF technology analyst specializing in water management, joins Dana Perkins to tackle the urgent issue of global water stress. They explore how rising demand from industries and agriculture impacts water supply, discussing solutions like innovative desalination techniques and strategies for leak reduction. The conversation dives into the health risks posed by PFAS, or 'forever chemicals', and the importance of advanced water purification technologies. Together, they envision a future where tech plays a pivotal role in sustainable water management.
29:51

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Quick takeaways

  • Water stress is a growing global concern driven by factors like population growth, agriculture, and industry, requiring urgent management strategies.
  • Technological innovations, such as improved desalination methods and leak detection systems, are essential for enhancing water supply and management efficiency.

Deep dives

The Growing Challenge of Water Stress

Water stress is an increasing global concern, with 1.5 to 2.5 billion people currently living in affected areas, projected to rise to around 3 billion by 2050. This situation is exacerbated by factors such as population growth, agricultural demands, and industrial usage. Freshwater demand is expected to exceed supply by 40% by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for effective water management strategies. Understanding water stress requires a localized perspective, evaluating whether water demands surpass available supply to meet both human and environmental needs.

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