The Global Water Crisis: A Call For Urgent Innovation
By Lauren Greenlee
The Disparate Impact of Water Scarcity
Everyone on the planet is currently experiencing some form of water stress. Due to increased consumption, contamination, and climate change, freshwater resources are diminishing, putting billions at risk of experiencing heightened water scarcity in the near future.
One of the key ways to address the existential threat of a water-scarce future is through seawater desalination technologies that convert saltwater — namely, oceans — into a reliable, drinkable water source. Coastal urban centers in low- and middle-income regions stand to benefit the most from seawater desalination; populations in these ocean-adjacent communities are increasing rapidly and will need reliable freshwater resources immune from climate or seasonal changes to support their communities. However, seawater desalination technologies are expensive, and limited access to capital to fund and implement solutions that would make water access more equitable are prohibitive barriers to these regions with the most need.
An Issue of Affordability and Population Growth
While desalination offers hope and a potential solution to address water scarcity, why is it that the regions that need it most struggle to access these technologies? Currently, desalination is largely limited to those who can afford it; desalinated water is just 1% of global freshwater use and 71% of it is produced in high income countries. Regions of the world projected for large population booms like Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, which will account for a population growth of 2 billion people between now and 2050, need desalination systems more than ever but face steep financial challenges.
The complexity of current desalination systems makes them both expensive to build and to maintain. These systems require significant investments, skilled labor, and continuous upkeep to function effectively. As a result, companies producing these technologies prioritize selling to wealthier, low-risk markets rather than the poorer regions that often face the most severe water scarcity.
Breaking Barriers: Making Desalination and Clean Water Affordable, Sustainable and Accessible
To ensure global adoption and accessibility in the communities most in need, seawater desalination technologies must undergo system-level, materials, and methods innovation.
We’re already seeing some breakthroughs take root; In Agadir, Morocco, an affordable desalination plant powered by low-cost wind and solar energy now provides enough water to supply one million people daily while also supporting irrigation. In Kenya, a solar-powered desalination system delivers fresh drinking water to 25,000 people each day, offering a sustainable and energy-efficient solution. Meanwhile, Canadian startup Oneka has developed an innovative desalination buoy that harnesses the kinetic energy of ocean waves to power a reverse osmosis system, producing 13,000 gallons of drinking water per day without relying on external energy sources.
The XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition is incentivizing the development of reliable, affordable and sustainable seawater desalination solutions to expand global access to clean water. With teams from over 70 countries pre-registered to join the $119 million prize, the competition is driving system-level breakthroughs that go beyond incremental advancements. Winning teams will develop innovative solutions that are cost-effective, climate-resilient, and environmentally sustainable — optimizing energy and materials while minimizing harm to marine ecosystems.
These technologies and initiatives represent significant steps forward and serve as proof that low-cost, low-maintenance desalination solutions are possible. In tandem with other efforts to improve water access, including wastewater recycling and treatment, strengthening system infrastructure, agricultural efficiencies and conservation efforts, we see a future where water scarcity and limited clean water access can be alleviated.
Addressing the existential threat of water scarcity also demands global collaboration and innovation to bring affordable, scalable water technologies to life. Fortunately, organizations worldwide like the World Wildlife Fund, United Nations, and US Water Alliance are working hard to combat this growing crisis.
Clean water is a fundamental human right, and living with any level of water stress or scarcity jeopardizes humanity’s ability to thrive. Water scarcity is a pressing global issue that demands urgent action, and addressing it will require a global effort, uniting innovators, researchers, experts, and policymakers. While the challenge is great, I am confident that a breakthrough is on the horizon, bringing hope for a sustainable water future.
Lauren Greenlee, PhD, is the Executive Vice President of the Food + Water + Waste Domain at the XPRIZE Foundation. XPRIZE is the world's leader in designing and operating incentive competitions that set audacious goals, drive technology innovation, and aim to solve humanity's grand challenges. Lauren leads the foundation's work across food, water, and waste, and brings 20 years of experience working in national laboratory, academic, and startup environments.