Water 2019: The New Oil?

Nov 18, 2019 | Chatham House
London, UK
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The quality and quantity of water can define the health and sustainability of entire communities, ecosystems, and industries. The importance of water to life is also matched by its vulnerability to climate change and the shifting demands and strains of agriculture, urbanization and a growing population. The United Nations estimates that water scarcity affects more than 40% of people in the world – a number that is expected to increase as temperatures rise. By 2050, it is also estimated that one in four people will experience water shortages, and demand for water will increase by 55% between 2000 and 2050. As such, due to its increasing value and scarcity as a global resource, water has been dubbed ‘the new oil’.

Access to, and control of, water represents a similarly crucial component of the geopolitical standing of countries, regions, and cities – with the potential to define power dynamics and conflicts, especially in developing countries. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre suggests the combined effect of climate change, population and competition over an increasingly scarce resource can all too easily lead to conflict and instability. The emergence of ‘hydro-politics’ and ‘hydro-diplomacy’ is a recognition of the fundamental role water can and does play in the stability of a region. 

The inclusion of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, highlights an opportunity for governments and policy-makers to address all facets of good water governance and efficiency, water sanitation and access to safe drinking water. Addressing these challenges of both too little, and too much, water has increased the need for innovation in this field, and there are opportunities for industries to advance technology to address increasingly urgent challenges. 

In this context, the Water 2019 conference will consider:

  • The geopolitics of water and ‘hydro-diplomacy’
  • Water governance and management
  • Challenges of urbanization and within agriculture 
  • Technology and innovation

Monday 18 November

Session One | The Changing Geopolitics of Water and ‘Hydro-Diplomacy’

Access to, and control of, water can determine the geopolitical standing of a country and has the potential to define relationships, conflict and strategic decisions between regions – with a real possibility of escalation to warfare. This session will consider water in the geopolitical agenda, and its role from a global perspective in the state and stability of the world. 

Session Two | Water Governance and Management

Good water governance and management impacts the health of humans and ecosystems, industry and the wider society. The scarcity, as well as the excess, of water, can critically impede sustainability development, poverty alleviation, and stability. This session will explore the importance, development, and implementation of water governance in society.

Session Three | Urbanization and Agriculture

Water is essential for agricultural production, and due to the pressure it places on freshwater, it is one of the main causes – and victims – of water scarcity. Rapid urbanization, a growing population and demand for food in the context of climate change has also increased the need for innovative and intelligent management of freshwater, wastewater, and stormwater. This session will consider the challenges facing both agriculture and increasingly urbanized cities.

Session Four | Technology and Innovation

The United Nations estimates that by 2025, 1.8 billion people will live in regions that face absolute water scarcity, and the UN University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health approximates that $1.8 trillion of investment is necessary to combat the impact on vulnerable regions. This session will discuss the latest technological innovations to address water scarcity, efficiency, conservation, and sanitation.

For enquiries relating to the conference agenda or sponsorship please call Olivia Lewis on +44 (0) 20 7957 5732

For registration enquiries please call Boudicca Georgii Hellberg on +44 (0)20 7314 2785

For general enquiries please email conferences@chathamhouse.org

For registration: https://reg.chathamhouse.org/iEBMS/reg/reg_p1_form.aspx?oc=10&ct=CONEVT&eventid=11016