Dr. Arvind Kumar*
As the world faces the growing threats of climate change, one of the most pressing challenges is the management of water resources. Water, a critical resource for industrial operations, is increasingly becoming scarce due to rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events. The industrial sector, which is a significant consumer of freshwater, must prioritize water use efficiency to mitigate the risks associated with water scarcity, while simultaneously contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. In the context of a climate emergency, where rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns are already affecting water availability, industrial water use efficiency is no longer just an environmental concern but also a matter of economic survival and global sustainability. Efficient water management practices can help industries not only reduce their environmental footprint but also ensure the continuity of operations amidst the growing risks of water scarcity.
This holds considerable potential for significant water savings within each industrial sector, offering valuable insights for the development of policies aimed at improving water use efficiency. The rapid expansion of population and industrial activities worldwide have led to acknowledging the critical importance of water conservation. Addressing the escalating water usage within water-intensive industries is essential, given their significant contribution to the economy alongside their substantial impact on water resources. Amongst the water-intensive industries, thermal power plants are the highest consumer of water, followed by pulp & paper, textiles, and iron & steel industries. Existing challenges or inefficiencies in water management practices, such as over-extraction, pollution, or lack of wastewater treatment, further exacerbate the situation. Implementing benchmarking strategies can be beneficial in assessing and enhancing water use efficiency within these industries. There has to be a set of possible actions to improve industrial water use efficiency for resilient economies climate action and human settlement, by encouraging and including new technologies and policy reforms.
Water is a vital input in many industrial processes, from cooling systems in power plants to the production of goods in manufacturing industries like textiles, chemicals, paper, and steel. According to estimates, the industrial sector accounts for about 20% of global waterwithdrawals, a figure that is even higher in industrialized nations. The sheer volume of water used in industries makes it imperative to implement efficiency measures to reduce the pressure on local water resources and enhance sustainability.
The Industrial Sector’s Role in a Climate-Resilient Future
The climate emergency is exacerbating water scarcity, particularly in regions that are already water-stressed. Droughts, heatwaves, and erratic rainfall are becoming more frequent, disrupting water availability and leading to increased competition for the resource among agricultural, industrial, and domestic sectors. As a result, industries that fail to improve their water use efficiency may face significant operational risks, including production slowdowns, increased costs for water procurement, and potential conflicts with local communities over water access. Furthermore, water scarcity has direct implications for energy production and industrial cooling, forming part of the water-energy nexus. As energy production, particularly in thermal power plants, requires substantial amounts of water for cooling, any reduction in water availability can impact energy security and increase greenhouse gas emissions if industries resort to less water-efficient energy sources.
At the regional level, cooperation is particularly crucial, as water and energy resources often span national borders. River basins, for instance, are shared by multiple countries, making coordinated management essential to avoid conflicts and ensure equitable resource distribution. Similarly, regional grids can enhance energy security by connecting renewable energy sources across borders, allowing countries to share surplus energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
A large proportion of global energy production relies on water for cooling and generation. Hydroelectric plants, thermal power stations, and even some renewable energy technologies such as biofuels have a significant water footprint. As water becomes scarcer due to climate-induced changes or pollution, energy security may be threatened, leading to disruptions in supply, price increases, and potential conflicts. Conversely, energy is needed to ensure water security. The extraction, desalination, purification, and transportation of water all require significant amounts of energy. As regions face water shortages, the energy demands for processes like desalination will only increase. This creates a cycle of dependency that will only be exacerbated by climate change and population growth.
Way forward
In the face of a climate emergency, industries must rethink their water use strategies to address the growing risks of water scarcity and environmental degradation. By adopting water-efficient technologies, treating and reusing wastewater, monitoring water use, and shifting to sustainable supply chains, industries can not only safeguard their operations but also contribute to global efforts to ensure water security for future generations. Efficient water use is not just a moral imperative—it is a key factor in the resilience and long-term success of industries in a changing world. Collaboration at both regional and global levels is key to unlocking new solutions and ensuring the security of vital resources for future generations. The efforts of organizations like the India Water Foundation are essential in fostering this collaboration and building the trust needed to tackle these shared challenges. Sustainable business and industriesare not just about profitability—it’s about resilience, innovation, and responsibility to the planet.
*Editor, Focus Global Reporter
