The 2020 Global Risk Report authored by the World Economic Forum (WEF) lists water crises as one of the top risks in terms of impact. Entire industries are highly dependent on large quantities or high-quality water. Assets exposed to water-related risks as reported by companies to CDP in its Global Water Report 2019 amount to USD 425 billion. While those risks are being recognised by many investors, not many consider the effects of their investment and financing decisions on water quantity and quality in the longer term or engage actively with investee companies. Investors have the possibility to play an active role in contributing to solving the water crisis at scale by aligning with SDG6. South Pole has released a new report, which was commissioned by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment: An Investor Guide on Basin Water Security Engagement: Aligning with SDG 6.
The engagement guide illustrates how investors can play an active role to support the resolution of the water crisis. This guidance focuses on how institutional investors can have a positive impact on basin water security through engagement and is designed as a practical step-by-step framework.
On August 17, South Pole and Ceres hosted a webinar to introduce the concept of water alignment and how you can create a positive impact in water basins. This included a welcoming intro by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment and a case study from ACTIAM.
Speakers include:
Susanne Blank, Swiss Federal Office for the Environment
Isabella Pagotto, Swiss Development Cooperation
Robin Miller, Ceres
Denis Jorisch, South Pole
Mathilde Treis, South Pole
Kees Ouboter, ACTIAM