Continued global warming means that water stress will hugely impact governments and businesses in the years ahead, according to geopolitical risk analysts at S&P Global Market Intelligence. ‘2024 Sustainability Outlook: Water, global operational challenges’ has noted that the prevalence of severe difficulties in predicting weather patterns will continue globally, impacting populations, country-level economic performance, and key industries that are dependent on water, like textiles and agriculture. Regional and national governments have been urged to make policy interventions and support businesses in navigating future water stress. Veronica Retamales Burford, Senior Research Analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: “Physical risks will play a key factor in business investment decisions, including the effects that water stress will have on manufacturing and on many countries’ plans to diversify their economies. As the world adapts, companies will need to prepare for heightened water use scrutiny, not just by regulators but also by local communities.”
