A new report by Kept Engineering paints a stark picture of global water security: over 25% of the world’s population lives in countries that deplete nearly all their available freshwater annually. By 2050, water demand is projected to grow by 20–25%, driven by agriculture, industry, and energy.
Climate change is accelerating the crisis. Flood-related disasters have surged 134% since 2000, and 77% of coastal basins face saline intrusion. Water quality is deteriorating as droughts, rising temperatures, and pollution impact more than half of global rivers.
The energy sector is particularly vulnerable. Hydropower — the world’s largest source of low-carbon electricity — saw a 7% global output decline in 2023 due to drought. China rationed electricity, Ecuador declared a state of emergency, and Spain restricted water use in agriculture by 25%.
Meanwhile, the green hydrogen boom could increase freshwater extraction sixfold by 2050. Nearly 35% of current and planned hydrogen production is located in water-stressed regions, amplifying sustainability concerns.
water scarcity is no longer a standalone environmental issue — it’s a systemic threat to food systems, energy stability, and economic growth. The report advocates for widespread adoption of ISO 14046 water footprint assessments and smarter water governance to mitigate risks.