The Water Challenges

Water has now been recognised by governments, many leading companies and the media as the single greatest challenge we face. As populations increase, economies develop and consumption increases, globally our demand for fresh water is fast outstripping supply:

• The global population will be 9bn by 2050
• Average water consumption per capita in the US is 616 litres per day
• The UN’s minimum target water consumption per capita is 50 litres per day
• Australia, Singapore and key regions in the US are all experiencing water stress
• Countries including the UK and Canada have developed national water strategies
• Agriculture currently consumes 70% of the world’s supply of fresh water
• The average car requires 400,000 litres of water for its manufacture
• On average, 140 litres of water are used to produce each cup of coffee
• Every hamburger has an overall embeded water use of 2400 litres

In this section of this website you will find overviews of some of the main issues and drivers of change, examples of organisations that are taking leadership positions and links to sources of additional insight.