Global water demand has increased six-fold over the last century and, by 2030, the gap between global water supply and demand is projected to reach 40%. Water scarcity is a threat to all humanity: 

  • A quarter of the world’s population currently lacks access to safe drinking water. 
  • Drought is a major threat to food security, as a quarter of the world’s crops are grown in areas where the water supply is highly stressed or unreliable. 
  • Water scarcity threatens power generation in countries which depend upon hydroelectric power. 
  • Extremes of drought are exacerbated by climate change, the rising global population and agricultural and industrial practices. 
  • The World Bank has estimated that water scarcity in some regions could diminish growth by up to 11.5% over the next 25 years. 
  • Water-intensive companies in the pharmaceutical, technology and agricultural sectors face significant threats to their business models and the prospect of litigation. 

Investment in water infrastructure is also a significant opportunity for investment and insurance. Trillions of dollars are now being invested in water-saving innovations, desalination projects and alternative farming methods.

Meet the specialists

Neil Beresford
Neil Beresford

Partner

David Ktshozyan
David Ktshozyan

Senior Counsel

Laura Ranz
Laura Ranz

Senior Associate

Navigating the unknown

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