In today’s world, it is hard to imagine that any single resource other than oil could have such a commanding influence on the world.  There is another strategic resource, however, that is fundamental to human and economic development and molds geopolitical relationships on one continent after another—water.  Water is fundamentally important to virtually every human endeavor on this planet.  As populations across the world expand and concentrate in urban centers, as living standards rise, and as industrial processes spread and energy demand skyrockets, we can anticipate a future marked by widespread water scarcity, declining water quality, unconscionable inaccessibility, and poor water management. 

This section of the GSI website is dedicated to providing a number of resources to better understand the growing water crisis across the world and its implications for U.S. strategic interests. These challenges are not relegated to the developing world; they do not spare relatively wet countries; and they certainly will affect rich and poor alike. We all must face these challenges and we must do so together.

• To read about drivers and effects of the water challenge, click here.
  
• To learn about future projections of this growing challenge, click here.
  
• To read about the case for U.S. engagement on global water issues, click here.