Water plays an essential role in our daily lives. Beyond household consumption, water is critical for agriculture and industry — accounting for 90 percent of total freshwater use in the United States.
This J.P. Morgan x ERM report explores the critical challenges and opportunities surrounding water resilience in the U.S. Amidst climate change, reshoring, and AI advancements, the gap between water supply and demand is becoming more pronounced. This exacerbates water stress in already vulnerable regions, leading to a need for prioritization between daily needs and business use. As the importance of water grows, it will influence strategic decisions and could impact corporate valuations.
The report highlights how comprehensive water strategies, infrastructure investments and innovative technologies could help address water scarcity and stress. It also emphasizes the role of public and private sectors in funding and developing sustainable water solutions. In summary, corporates can strategize around water as a business risk, integrating water management into their strategic planning for a more resilient future.
"Water’s complexity lies in its varied uses, unlike carbon. Investment in water infrastructure offers direct benefits, creating economic incentives for improved treatment technologies, contrasting with the dispersed benefits seen in climate mitigation."
Rama Variankaval
Global Head of Corporate Advisory, J.P. Morgan
"Companies often see water as an environmental or operational issue, not a strategic one. We urge clients to assess water’s economic costs and integrate it into their business strategy for long-term resilience."
Matt Haddon
Global Leader, Biodiversity, Water & Nature, ERM
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