almost half of the world ’ s agriculture , yet throughout the world they are also being polluted and drained faster than they can be replenished , such as the aquifers in the West USA , North China Plain , northwestern India and the Middle East . Water , finance and the economy are closely linked . Research led by the University of Oxford shows that the risks of water security cost the world economy in excess of hundreds of billions of dollars annually . World leaders will be forced to pay greater attention to water security , looking at water as a solution rather than a problem . The World Health Organization estimates that every US $ 1 invested in water and sanitation provides a US $ 4.30 return , presenting an enormous economic and social opportunity as well as opening the path to sustainable growth . Water security is an inescapable challenge . G20 policymakers will have to invest more in water infrastructure and governance to achieve water security . Investments may have to be diverted from other important areas to face this challenge . This of course will imply hard political choices . New infrastructure is needed to minimize water scarcity , to reduce the impact of floods and inadequate access to water supply and sanitation . Meeting the world ’ s water related Sustainable Development Goals , such as universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation , and having enough water for future food production , will cost US $ 840 billion a year ; US $ 1.8 trillion over the next 20 years . However , that level of investment would deliver more than US $ 3 trillion annually in economic , environmental and social benefits . The technical solutions already exist for these massive water resources development projects , but economic incentives and innovative financing models will be needed to bring them into reality . By any measure , water security is a genuine economic opportunity to invest in sustainable and resilient water infrastructure . As such , the business and financial community will be one of the key influencers of government policy , as well as a driver of innovation . In a sign that the international world is getting the message , the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the President of the World Bank announced in January 2016 the formation of a High-Level Panel on Water . This group has the mandate to mobilize action towards meeting the sustainable development goal for water . The World Water Council has been instrumental in mobilizing the political actors towards this initiative . The Panel is engaging the world ’ s political leaders . It is co-chaired by the Presidents of Mexico and Mauritius and made up of Heads of State and Governments . The panel will focus on mobilizing financial resources and developing implementation strategies . It is an important step forward as it puts water at the highest level of the political agenda . There is no easy answer to the water crisis , but the challenge can be turned into a major opportunity to solve one of the world ’ s most pressing threats . It is an opportunity to assure one of the most basic natural resources that is critical for continued social-economic development around the world . In mobilizing political action there is the power to induce positive change . If decision-makers at all levels and across sectors meet , discuss and take action together for water security and sustainability , we can move the world forward towards a fairer and more secure future . ■
Meeting the world ’ s water related Sustainable Development Goals , such as universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation , and having enough water for future food production , will cost US $ 840 billion a year ; US $ 1.8 trillion over the next 20 years .
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