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2030 Water Resources Group


Water scarcity report released by the 2030 Water Resources Group

"Farmers are the main users of freshwater, and they are most severely threatened if water runs out. The challenge of bringing water withdrawals back in line with natural renewal is, therefore, critical to avoiding a massive food crisis within the next 10-15 years. Discussions at the Food Security Summit in Rome last week have underlined this risk that was highlighted even more forcefully at the preparatory private sector discussions the weekend before.

Our joint project offers the tools to avoid what needs to be avoided – not in a narrow way optimising the interest of food manufacturers and their raw material supply, but in a much more comprehensive manner, in the overall interest of society at large.

We now have the necessary tools, but the real work has only just begun. We have to find ways to use these tools in watersheds in what must be a joint effort by all stakeholders."

A new report released today by the 2030 Water Resources Group, "Charting Our Water Future", shows that growing water scarcity can be mitigated affordably and sustainably. By providing greater clarity on the scale of the water challenge and the cost of the solutions, it offers a fact-based tool to help stakeholders make informed investment decisions and guide policy discussions.

The report finds that if no action is taken, by 2030, projected population and economic growth will lead to global water demand that is 40% in excess of current supply. In addition, this means that one-third of the world’s population would have access to only half the water they need.

The Water Resources Group involves McKinsey & Company, the International Finance Corporation, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, Barilla, New Holland Agriculture, SABMiller, Standard Chartered Bank and Syngenta. The new report, “Charting Our Water Future”, has drawn from the input of over 300 specialists and public sector practitioners, as well as the guidance of a group of expert advisers.

Press release
Participants
  • Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, Chairman, Nestlé S.A.
  • Giulio Boccaletti, McKinsey & Company
  • Michael Mack, CEO, Syngenta AG
  • Katherine Sierra, Vice President, World Bank
  • Martin Stuchtey, McKinsey & Company
  • Lars Thunell, CEO, IFC
Download the report
Website
About the 2030 Water Resources Group

The 2030 Water Resources Group was formed in 2008 to contribute new insights to the critical issue of water scarcity. Members include McKinsey & Company, IFC, part of the World Bank Group, and a consortium of business partners: The Barilla Group, The Coca Cola Company, Nestlé SA, New Holland Agriculture, SABMiller plc, Standard Chartered and Syngenta AG.