Strategic Focus: Industrial Water Risk Criticality

Executive Summary

Over the past decade, the criticality of water for industrial operations has become increasingly apparent, as climate change, ESG reporting and public perception have altered historical norms. The role of water as a key component for almost every industry – either directly in production, or along the value chain – is elevating it within risk functions as a direct concern. An enhanced perception of the significance of water is driving an evolution in how firms view water risk and manage their water usage, and is spurring greater investment in novel solutions that can transform water management. As climate change continues to influence water scarcity and alter precipitation patterns, risk functions will be forced to apply the same level of concern to water as is currently directed towards carbon.