Through the Water focus area, the Council on Ethics addresses both quantitative and qualitative factors that have an impact on the availability of water of sufficient good quality and quantity. Water scarcity may seem to be a distant issue in many places in developed countries but only 3 percent of all water on Earth is fresh water, and of that only about 1.2 percent can readily be used as drinking water. More than two billion people around the world lack access to safe drinking water.
At the same time, demand for and the industrial use of water are increasing at a fast pace, especially as a result of population growth, economic development and new consumer patterns. As a consequence, water is a scarce resource and water pollution worsens, which in turn risks negatively impacting society, the environment and industries dependent on water. World Resources Institute estimates that more than 30 percent of global GDP will be exposed to water shortages by 2050. Water-related risks therefore constitute an urgent and escalating global challenge, which also can have considerable consequences for companies and investors. Water quality is also affected by various industrial processes. The use of hazardous chemicals is associated with negative consequences for both human health and biological diversity, with insects, pollinators and bird populations impacted negatively. The production of chemicals has increased significantly since the 1950s and it is estimated to grow three-fold by 2050 compared with 2010. At the same time, scientists deem the presence of hazardous chemicals in
nature already has exceeded planetary boundaries.
So called forever chemicals such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are not broken down but instead pass through drinking water and food chains. The World Health Organisation has highlighted that negative health impacts such as cancer, heart diseases and weakened immune systems can be linked to exposure to chemicals. Due to the impact on
people, a strong demand to regulate forever chemicals in both the EU and several US states, and a growing number of litigation processes against both chemical companies and downstream users, PFAS is also referred to as “the new asbestos”.
Ongoing projects
Within the focus area, the Council on Ethics participates in the following projects:
Read more about the projects and progress in the focus area in the Council on Ethics’ annual reports.