Bapon (SHM) Fakhruddin, PhD

The global green economy worth over $5 trillion per year is now one of the planet’s most dynamic markets (surpassed in growth rate only by tech). From clean energy to climate-smart agriculture and circular industries, water underpins every pillar of green growth. Secure water resources and smart water management enable renewable energy deployment, increase agricultural productivity, support climate adaptation, and preserve ecosystems – all essential for a sustainable economy. Conversely, water scarcity and poor water governance can stall green development, making effective water strategies a critical foundation for progress.

Water’s role in driving a green, sustainable economy is indispensable. It is the blue thread weaving together energy, food, industry, and ecosystems. The evidence and examples show that prioritizing water – through smart investments, policies, and innovations – yields outsized benefits. Secure and clean water underpins public health and productivity; efficient and circular water use boosts industry and agriculture; and resilient water systems shield communities from climate shocks. Conversely, neglecting water security can undermine even the best-laid sustainability plans.

Encouragingly, many governments and organizations are recognizing this. There’s a growing movement to treat water as a strategic asset: cities are appointing Chief Resilience Officers focusing on water, companies are setting water stewardship goals alongside carbon goals, and coalitions like the Alliance for Global Water Adaptation and CEO Water Mandate are bringing water to the forefront of climate action. The World Economic Forum’s Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders has explicitly called out water scarcity and floods as material business risks that require collective action. And international finance is stepping up – e.g. green bonds specifically for water projects, climate funds (like the Green Climate Fund) prioritizing water security in their portfolios, and initiatives to scale up blended finance for water infrastructure.

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