Water security: Why we need global solutions

Abstract The article introduces some of the general challenges of global water security (in the context of the availability of good quality water) and highlights the likely global impact of climate change, increasing pollution and population growth on water resources, including flooding and droughts, as outlined in recent studies. The nexus between water, food and energy is introduced, along with the concept of virtual water, and the desirability for society, industry and governments to consider water security in a global context. Cotton production and trading is considered as an example and how clothes purchased in a non-cotton producing country can have an adverse impact on the water quality and pollution levels in river basins in cotton producing countries and in any other countries further downstream in the river basin. The role and engagement of engineers is highlighted and how engineers can contribute significantly to addressing the challenges of Sustainable Development Goal 6, i.e., ‘ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’.