International environmental reporting and data non-profit CDP has released new research in partnership with global infrastructure firm AECOM revealing that $9.5 billion worth of city water projects are now open for investment. Released for World Water Week (27 August – 1 September) the new infographic report Who’s Tackling Urban Water Challenges? shows the first-ever comprehensive dataset of global water action by cities and companies produced.

Using information gathered from 569 cities and 1,432 companies, each reporting their water management activity, it illustrates how global cities and companies are responding to the escalating challenge of climate change and water security.

Source: CDP

Regions most concerned about their water supply lie in Asia and Oceania (84 percent), with significant risks also identified in Africa (80 percent) and Latin America (75 percent).  
Water investment opportunities are greatest in Latin America ($6.7 billion), followed by North America ($2.7 billion); Asia and Oceania ($27.4 million) and Africa ($6.19 million).
“Our report shows just how crucial water management is becoming to our cities. We are seeing critical shifts in leadership from cities and companies in response to the very real threat of flooding, for example, to local economies. Combined with innovation and financial capital, this puts the tipping point for a sustainable economy in reach, and this data shows how important investors are in making this happen,” said Morgan Gillespy, Head of CDP’s Water Program.
In addition to highlighting key facts and statistics surrounding water issues, the infographic shares case studies from across the globe, as well as a number of key actions cities and companies can take to increase water security.

Related resources:
CDP’s 2017 Infographic:  “Who's Tackling Urban Water Challenges?