Zero: The Climate Race How water scarcity is threatening the global economy
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Mar 20, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Melanie Rua, a Bloomberg Intelligence researcher and co-author of a pivotal report on water scarcity, shares alarming insights about the looming water crisis. Freshwater demand could outstrip supply by 40% by 2030, threatening up to $70 trillion of global GDP. Melanie dives into how water stress impacts industries from agriculture to e-commerce, and emphasizes the urgent need for businesses to adapt to these rising risks. She also discusses innovative technologies like desalination that could help combat these challenges.
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Water Scarcity: A Present Danger
- Water scarcity is a present-day financial and operational risk for companies.
- Demand for freshwater will exceed supply by 40% by 2030, risking $70 trillion of global GDP.
Real-World Impacts of Water Scarcity
- Constellation Brands abandoned a brewery in Mexico due to water concerns, losing $660 million.
- Semiconductor makers in Taiwan face revenue losses due to water shortages.
Hidden Water Usage
- Water is crucial for often-overlooked sectors like semiconductors and data centers.
- Semiconductor manufacturing requires significant water, and data centers use vast amounts for cooling.