Global Scans · Water · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Global demand for fresh water is expected to outpace sustainable supply by 40% in 2030. Global water demand will climb in tandem with population and economic growth. At least two-thirds of the world's population will face 'water stress' by 2025 and the number of people affected by floods could increase by a factor of three by 2100 bring significant risk of unrest and conflict. The UN Security Council will have to declare water a strategic resource of humanity and adopt a resolution to protect water resources and installations. Organizations will be expected to play their part in conserving water.

• [New] The public water systems must implement solutions to reduce PFAS concentrations to acceptable levels by 2029. sustainalytics.com
• [New] The urgency for climate adaptation in developing economies is staggering, with annual funding needs projected to hit $300 billion by 2030 to safeguard infrastructure, agriculture, and water systems from climate impacts. Council Fire
• [New] Research from UNRIC shows that global AI-related water demand is projected to increase exponentially. AIMultiple
• [New] Environmental practices in 2026 prioritize water recycling, tailings stability, and minimal land disruption. Farmonaut
• [New] A renewed global emphasis on water could help reaccelerate stalled negotiations and potentially reenergize halted international processes. United Nations University
• [New] By 2030, global water demand could outstrip available resources by around 40%. Vinylone
• [New] In water-stressed regions like the Middle East and Northern Africa, small modular reactors coupled with desalination plants can solve water-energy crisis without burning fossil fuels, presenting billions of dollar opportunity for reactor developers. Market Minds Advisory
• [New] Significant water deficits are projected for Anglian Water and United Utilities by 2030 and for Yorkshire Water by 2040. Mirage News
• [New] Demand for water, driven by hydrogen production and carbon capture and storage technologies, will rise sharply by 2050. Mirage News
• [New] The combination of rising oceans and sinking land means the world's largest cities will face even greater challenges from catastrophic floods in the future. Live Science
• [New] By 2027, global AI demand is projected to withdraw 1.1-1.7 trillion gallons of freshwater - equivalent to 4-6 × Denmark's annual water withdrawal. Medium
• [New] Australia and Indonesia face elevated risk of prolonged drought, extreme heat, and reduced monsoonal flows. The Daily Galaxy - Great Discoveries Channel
• [New] Coupled with early indicators of a new warm water pulse migrating eastward at depth, climate scientists now expect El Nino conditions to materialize by mid-2026. The Daily Galaxy - Great Discoveries Channel
• [New] AI's water demand will surge nearly 130% by 2050, driven by data center cooling and chip manufacturing needs. GeopoliticsUnplugged Substack
• [New] Investor Note As environmental monitoring becomes mandatory, automatic sprinkler systems with built-in traceability and real-time water use reports will capture new funding, insurance, and incentive streams globally. Farmonaut
• [New] Global Scale Integration: Farms, cities, and foresters will use satellite-driven water management platforms for regional drought response and conservation programs. Farmonaut

Last updated: 24 January 2026