Innovations to tackle water’s critical mission areas

These missions address the most significant and interconnected challenges of the global water crisis. The first two seek a transformation in agriculture and natural habitats, to conserve water and enhance yields, redress the neglect of green water, and stabilise the hydrological cycle. Recognising the surge of urbanisation globally, the next two missions focus on promoting circular economy solutions and reducing the water intensity of rapidly growing industries like clean energy and AI. Finally, we must ensure affordable access to clean water and sanitation for every vulnerable community.

These missions must drive policy shifts, innovation, and the alignment of the public and private sectors and communities. We must value water properly to reflect its scarcity and its critical role in sustaining the natural ecosystems that people and planet depend on. We must cease the under-pricing of water across the economy, and re-channel the subsidies that support its unsustainable usage toward promoting water-saving solutions and providing targeted support for the poor and vulnerable.

These innovations are within our reach. Many water innovations had not reached economic viability in the past, but we are now at an inflexion point. Mature and proven technologies, many less capital-intensive than before, can be scaled up more easily than even a decade ago. Others involving experimental solutions show significant promise and need support.

However, we need new ways of governing to unleash a wave of innovation and investment. Policymaking must become more collaborative, accountable, and inclusive of all voices, especially those of youth, women, marginalised communities, and the Indigenous Peoples who are on the frontlines of water conservation.