If we continue to use water at our current rate, global demand will exceed viable resources by 40 percent by 2030. Water renews itself though, right? That’s something we all learnt in primary school. But it isn’t quite that simple.
As it is always on the move and appearing from the sky, most people forget that water is a finite resource. There are around 1.4 million cubic kilometres of water on Earth – covering 71% of its surface – but less than 1% of that is usable, found in freshwater streams, lakes, and groundwater.
Climate change means there is less freshwater available, as the amount locked in soil, snow, and ice becomes significantly reduced. Climate change further disrupts weather patterns, leading to more frequent and severe weather events such as droughts, floods and storms. These events can disrupt supply chains, damage infrastructure and impact business continuity. Learn how West Yorkshire Combined Authority can help your business protect itself from flooding.
As droughts become more frequent across West Yorkshire, water becomes more important. In a ranking of the most prominent threats to businesses and the economy, critical change to Earth systems (including the water cycle) was second over the long term, behind extreme weather events.
Protecting the water cycle is not only an environmental imperative but also a strategic business opportunity that can deliver long-term benefits.
