Aquanomics: new research from GHD reveals huge water risk to the global economy by 2050
Droughts, floods, and storms could result in a total loss of USD5.6 trillion to GDP across seven countries between 2022 and 2050, according to new research, launched today by global professional services company GHD.
Aquanomics: The economics of water risk and future resilience projects the future economic impact of water risk in a diverse range of climates: Australia, Canada, China, the Philippines, the UAE, the UK, and the US. While the economic shock of water risk will accelerate throughout the century, it is a pressing concern this decade; between now and 2030, water risk could cost these key economies an estimated total of just over USD1.3 trillion.
This study represents the first time the impact of water risk on GDP has been calculated across the economy as a whole and at a sector level. The research combines insurance data with econometric modelling to demonstrate the wider economic impact of increased future water risk.
The study also highlights how increasingly frequent and severe water-related events not only pose a grave threat to global economies, but to the communities and natural ecosystems that rely on a balanced water cycle for survival.
Aquanomics reveals that water risk will not be spread evenly across countries. In terms of total water-related GDP losses between 2022 and 2050, it is estimated that the US will be hit hardest, with projected losses of USD3.7 trillion. Counterintuitively, the UAE – one of the world’s driest countries – is expected to be the least affected, with projected losses of USD27 billion.
Estimated GDP loss by country between 2022 and 2050
| Country | Total GDP loss | Average annual GDP loss |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines | USD124bn | 0.7% |
| Australia | USD312bn | 0.6% |
| US | USD3.719tn | 0.5% |
| Canada | USD108bn | 0.2% |
| China | USD1.144tn | 0.2% |
| UAE | USD27bn | 0.1% |
| UK | USD153bn | 0.1% |
Water is our most precious resource, sustaining communities and connecting industries. However, our global water systems are already feeling the pressures of today and will be further challenged by demographic and lifestyle shifts over the coming decades. And, as climate change brings more water-related disasters, the need for action is growing stronger still. Increased investment, greater innovation, and radical collaboration will be crucial in addressing this dual threat.
One way to build resilience is through new infrastructure – but that is not always the answer. We need to focus on optimizing existing assets to work better, for example through digitalization, and developing integrated solutions. With climate change moving the goalposts so rapidly, it is no longer about spending trillions of dollars on large-scale infrastructure interventions that are fixed for 100 years; the industry must take a more agile approach, implementing solutions that work over time to minimize risk.
Estimated total loss by sector between 2022 and 2050
| Sector | Total output losses |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing & distributions | USD4.211tn |
| FMCG & retail | USD1.104tn |
| Banking & insurance | USD514bn |
| Agriculture | USD332bn |
| Energy & utilities | USD237bn |
Water resilience is becoming a major challenge everywhere, as droughts, floods, storms, heatwaves and wildfires become more frequent and severe. More data and insights on the impacts of water risks are essential for the business world, the water community, governments and society at large to make good decisions on building water resilience. This Aquanomics report directly links water risk with its economic, social and environmental impacts worldwide. This new data highlights the need for urgent action and innovation: governments and industry must work together to invest in the resilient water infrastructure that will help the world adapt. Such investment brings benefits for economies, as well as for communities and ecosystems that depend on water security to survive and to thrive.
Notes to Editor
The study focuses on seven key countries across GHD’s footprint – Australia, Canada, China, the Philippines, the UAE, the UK and the US – and three US regions – Northeastern US, Southeastern US and Southwestern US. For further details, please refer to the full report at https://aquanomics.ghd.com/.
The modelling was constructed by Cambridge Econometrics – an independent organization of economists that specialize in data and provide credible and robust evidence across a broad spectrum of complex 21st century challenges facing our economies, societies and the natural environment.
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About GHD
GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 160 offices located on five continents.