On 7 December, 2020, water began trading on Wall Street’s commodities futures market on account of its scarcity. Climate change, use by the primary sector, industry and human consumption itself have all contributed to this life-giving resource becoming increasingly more scarce and inaccessible to large numbers of people, with all the implications this entails for the planet and humankind.
At present more than 2000 million people lack access to this vital resource and the situation looks set to worsen in coming years causing irreparable damage including displaced populations, species extinction and loss of countless ecosystems.
Water is a precious commodity and the fact it runs through our taps should not be taken for granted. It must be used more efficiently and the utmost should be done to reduce waste. As people and as an industry, we share the responsibility and duty to act now and to protect not just the planet but also our future.