Global Scans · Water · Weekly Summary

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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] Reuse investment for irrigation applications - ranging from crop watering and urban landscaping to municipal green spaces - is still projected to account for nearly half of capital expenditure over the next decade. Water Finance & Management
• [New] The City of Corpus Cristi expects to be unable to meet industrial and residential demands for water within the next 18 months. Railway Age
• [New] Social infrastructure (health, education, and public facilities) will see another $16 trillion, while waste and water systems and agriculture together add $11 trillion more. Visual Capitalist
• [New] A 2025 UK government report, AI's Thirst for Water, projects global data-center water use will soar from 1.1 to 6.6 billion cubic meters by 2027, threatening already-stressed basins. Forbes
• [New] A sudden stop of the Chenab waters could prove disastrous for Pakistan, as its irrigation system is majorly dependent on the Chenab River for agriculture in its Punjab region. https://www.uniindia.com/~/pakistan-faces-major-thirst-
• [New] Pakistan is worried of any potential future discharges by India's three hydroelectric dams at the Chenab Basin, which include the Baglihar, Salal, and the Pakal Dam, as they could cause sudden floods and put the local population at risk. https://www.uniindia.com/~/pakistan-faces-major-thirst-
• [New] In 2026 Kazakhstan will continue diversifying crop structures to prioritize high-profit and less water-intensive crops. The Astana Times
• [New] In response to extremely low water conditions, it's possible water from upstream reservoirs in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico could be released to support Powell's hydropower turbines. The Water Desk
• [New] Globally the risks posed by and impacts created by droughts and heatwaves have been growing in recent years, yet drought itself remains a widely underestimated natural hazard. Artemis.bm - The Catastrophe Bond, Insurance Linked Sec
• [New] The gap between the world's renewable supply of water and demand is expected to be 40% by 2030, bringing a new urgency to addressing water scarcity. Morgan Stanley Australia
• [New] Positive soil-moisture levels in northern NSW and in Queensland have again supported strong yields this year, and recovery from drought conditions in parts of South Australia will also contribute to larger national grain volumes. Mirage News
• [New] Intel Corporation has adopted a comprehensive approach, targeting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its Scope 1 and 2 operations by 2040, and net-positive water usage and zero waste to landfills by 2030. FinancialContent
• [New] The potential for ocean flooding is greater than 90%. Yahoo News
• [New] 2026 and beyond will witness evolving regulatory environments aimed at ensuring the balance between economic opportunity and environmental stewardship across ocean jasper mining and ocean lithium mining projects. Farmonaut
• [New] Opal mining innovations in 2026 are set to reduce water usage by up to 35% through advanced recycling technologies. Farmonaut
• [New] Swiss company Harvest Group SA presented an irrigation project to convert 300,000 hectares of pastureland into irrigated fields by 2029, increasing soil productivity by up to sixfold. The Astana Times
• [New] A desalination plant could be coming to Texas City in five years. Yahoo News
• [New] $1.25 trillion in investments will be needed over the next 20 years to maintain and upgrade drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems. / USA Nasdaq
• [New] Climate change is projected to increase the frequency of extreme precipitation events and the likelihood of short-term summer drought in New York State. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The Ocean Rescue Plan would create a huge network of protected areas (ocean sanctuaries) covering at least 30% of the oceans by 2030. Greenpeace International

Last updated: 08 November 2025