Mahesh Ramanujam, the cofounder, President, and CEO of Global Network for Zero, is highlighting the global water crisis as a pressing issue that affects millions of people around the world. From drought conditions in the American Midwest to water shortages in India and Mexico, the lack of access to clean water is a humanitarian, economic, and equity concern. Ramanujam believes that businesses, in addition to governments, have a responsibility to address this crisis and play a crucial role in implementing solutions.
Growing up in Chennai, India, Ramanujam experienced firsthand the impact of water insecurity and the loss of wetland areas due to development projects. Globally, 4 billion people live in water-scarce areas, and the effects of climate change are projected to exacerbate these issues. With 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of its water sources, India is just one example of a country facing severe water challenges. Ramanujam emphasizes the urgency of taking action to sustainably manage and conserve this vital resource, emphasizing the need for full participation and investment from businesses.
Public-private partnerships are seen as a critical element in addressing the water crisis, as they can unlock funding, capacity, and infrastructure development needed for large-scale water distribution and treatment projects. The World Bank projects that countries will need to triple their current expenditures to provide safe water globally, making investments from the private sector instrumental. By partnering with governments, businesses can accelerate research and development of water-saving technologies, such as AI for water management, desalination, rainwater harvesting, and smart agriculture.
Unlike governments, which often struggle with water measurement and tracking, private companies have the opportunity to lead in this area. By implementing water audit solutions, businesses can improve efficiency, detect leaks, and reduce waste throughout their operations and supply chains. Innovative technologies, such as solar panel condensation and nanotechnology for water purification, offer promising solutions to address the water crisis. By leveraging these technologies and working together, Ramanujam believes that a global water catastrophe can be avoided with the collaboration and commitment of the private sector.
Ramanujam calls on businesses to reassess their facilities and equipment to make water-efficient upgrades, such as switching to Energy Star-certified appliances and upgrading irrigation systems. By investing in water-saving measures and sustainable practices, businesses can contribute to conserving water resources and reducing their environmental impact. With advancements in technology and a growing focus on sustainability, there is hope that the private sector can play a significant role in addressing the global water crisis and ensuring access to clean water for all.
