participant of the panel “From Global Vision to Action: Towards a Water-Secure World
Water and energy policies remain disconnected, despite their deep interdependence. As the need for water treatment and desalination increases, so does its energy footprint, threatening progress in decarbonization. Without strategic planning, water systems could become a hidden burden on sustainability efforts.
The rise of green hydrogen further complicates this equation. While hailed as a clean energy breakthrough, its production requires large volumes of purified water, often in regions already facing severe shortages. Establishing hydrogen hubs in water-stressed areas raises serious ethical and practical concerns. Sacrificing essential water resources for energy production must be critically examined.
At the same time, global aid for water security remains outdated, focusing on short-term relief rather than long-term resilience. Despite massive investments, solutions often fail to create lasting impact. A shift from dependency-driven aid to sustainable, market-based solutions is long overdue.
Sustainability cannot be achieved with energy transition alone—it must be water-conscious. The challenge is ensuring that clean energy solutions do not deepen water crises. Policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators must integrate water and energy strategies, prioritize efficiency, and drive investments in solutions that serve both sustainability and human needs. A fragmented approach is no longer an option—integrated action is essential.