Water is already a source of conflict, and the tension is set to increase. As populations grow and climate change intensifies drought cycles, competition for freshwater is becoming geopolitical. Rivers like the Nile, the Mekong, and the Colorado are shared between multiple countries or states, each with competing demands. Without international frameworks to govern these resources, conflict is likely. The issue is compounded by the commodification of water. In some regions, water rights have been privatised, meaning access depends on ability to pay. Critics argue that water, like air, is a fundamental human right that cannot be subject to market logic. If that argument fails, the implications for global inequality are profound.

💡 Did you know? It takes approximately 2,700 litres of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt. That is more than the average person drinks in three years.