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] A climate phenomenon developing thousands of kilometers away in the tropical Pacific Ocean could soon have implications for weather conditions in the UAE. Khaleej Times
• [New] Sustainable Ocean Alliance is inviting proposals from small organizations and local leaders working to establish and strengthen marine protected areas and other area-based conservation measures, part of the global push to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. Impact Funding
• [New] Several hyperscalers have set water-positive goals by 2030 with zero-water cooling emerging as a key design principle for new data center construction. AI Business Weekly
• [New] In the Indian Ocean, a positive IOD phase is expected to develop, reaching an ASO 2026 seasonal mean value of 0.6 °C. Mirage News
• [New] Water demand will continue rising as the global population grows. Earth
• [New] The El Nino system will strengthen from August to October, which will bring higher temperatures globally, with increasing rainfall in some regions while others suffer drought. The Guardian
• [New] In Italy, the Po River basin has entered a state of high water scarcity, threatening rice crops and drinking water supplies across the north. gCaptain
• [New] Countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco are strengthening smart agriculture initiatives, creating long-term growth opportunities for intelligent irrigation system providers. Straits Research
• [New] The drip irrigation segment is anticipated to record the fastest growth, expanding at a CAGR of 15.4% during 2026-2034. Straits Research
• [New] The UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 emphasizes improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing infrastructure resilience across water production and distribution systems. MarkNtel Advisors
• Water risk could reduce GDP across major economies by more than USD 5 trillion by 2050. GHD
• EPA has emphasized that cyberattacks on drinking water and wastewater systems have the potential to threaten public health and community resilience. Washington State Department of Health
• Water Gap, described as the first unified strategy to achieve universal access to safe, running water and working sanitation in every American home by 2040. Informed Infrastructure

Last updated: 08 August 2026