By Dean Best – A group of more than 60 major investment vehicles wants to up the pressure on how the food and drinks industry uses water.
The new consortium, covering US$9.8trn in assets, wants to “move” some of the world’s largest food and drinks companies on protecting resources and on making sure they see water as a financial risk to their businesses.
She told Just Food manufacturers must act now on “the water crisis”, arguing “undervaluing water will pose great material risk for the food and beverage industry if left unaddressed”.
James added: “The case for water is clear – we know that by 2030, global demand will exceed supply by 56%, and one needs only read the news to know the water crisis is compounding. Water management is a critical aspect of corporate sustainability, risk management and strategic planning, and it will be impossible to significantly advance climate change and water security without stronger private sector leadership.”