Water Security

Competing demands for freshwater play out between sectors and regions within the same country, and between nations that vie for access to the water on which their entire economies—agriculture, energy, and industry—rely. This web page is the library for all content on water security by scholars across CSIS. The CSIS Project on Water Security web page present comprehensive policy solutions to the challenges water insecurity poses to U.S. geopolitical and economic interests, with a special focus on global food security, produced by the CSIS Global Food and Water Security Program. The Water and the Future of the Middle East project webpage houses the Middle East Program’s work to energize the policy environment around the issue of water insecurity in the region and provide constructive recommendations for necessary transformation.

A woman carries water in front of a surreal desert sunset

Created by Sarah Grace with footage from Getty and Storyblocks

Troubling Waters: Understanding Global Water Security

As the ramifications of the global water crisis grow in scope and severity, understanding the manifold and devastating consequences of water insecurity—in all its forms—is increasingly critical to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of billions around the world.

Digital Report by Zane Swanson and Sarah Grace — February 12, 2024

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Living the Global Water Crisis

Presented by Global Food and Water Security Program
March 22, 2024 • 12:00 – 12:30 pm EDT

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Global Food and Water Security Program

Leading research, analysis, and policy recommendations to improve global food and water security.

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Past Events

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Related Programs

Experts

Caitlin Welsh

Caitlin Welsh

Director, Global Food and Water Security Program
Katherine E. Bliss

Katherine E. Bliss

Senior Fellow and Director, Immunizations and Health Systems Resilience, Global Health Policy Center
David Michel

David Michel

Senior Fellow, Global Food and Water Security Program
Jon B. Alterman

Zane Swanson

Fellow, Global Food and Water Security Program

All Water Security Content

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Ships, Trains, and Trucks: Unlocking Ukraine’s Vital Trade Potential

The full-scale Russian invasion has devastating effects on Ukraine’s trade causing vast destruction of its transport and logistics infrastructure. Ukraine and its partners have to be creative and determined in finding new trade corridors to support business operations.

Report by Romina Bandura, Ilya Timtchenko, and Benjamin Robb — April 8, 2024

Living the Global Water Crisis

Join the CSIS Global Food and Water Security Program to discuss the themes of this year’s World Water Day and the tools that researchers and decisionmakers are using to bring human voices to the growing risks to global water security. Featuring Dr. Sera Young.

Event — March 22, 2024

Charting 2024 through Data

CSIS experts offer insights on some of the most important issue areas shaping the world in 2024.

Digital Report by Jaehyun Han, Brian Hart, and Heather Williams, Kelsey Hartigan, Lachlan MacKenzie, Reja Younis, Otto Svendsen, Sissy Martinez, Zane Swanson, Anita Kirschenbaum, David Michel, Henry Ziemer, Michaela Simoneau — March 19, 2024

Troubling Waters: Understanding Global Water Security

As the ramifications of the global water crisis grow in scope and severity, understanding the manifold and devastating consequences of water insecurity—in all its forms—is increasingly critical to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of billions around the world.

Digital Report by Zane Swanson and Sarah Grace — February 12, 2024

2024 Global Forecast: Vying for Influence in the Global South

In the fourth and final installment of the 2024 Global Forecast, CSIS experts analyze the key challenges that will define the battle for influence in the Global South, which will determine geopolitical power and shape the future of the global order.

Digital Report by Michelle Strucke, J. Stephen Morrison, Noam Unger, Caitlin Welsh, Richard M. Rossow, Gregory B. Poling, Ryan C. Berg, Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Craig Cohen, and Alex Kisling — February 7, 2024

The Siege of Gaza’s Water

The siege on Gaza is crippling the territory’s water systems. Clean water and sanitation are unavailable for most, threatening a public health disaster. Improving water access is critical to preventing further loss of life and livelihoods and to rebuilding a secure future.

Commentary by Natasha Hall, Anita Kirschenbaum, and David Michel — January 12, 2024

Water and Global Climate Action at COP28

Water represents the tip of the spear of mounting global climate change impacts through worsening floods, droughts, and storms. COP28 called on countries to strengthen adaptation strategies for water security. Policymakers must now turn exhortations into concrete action.

Commentary by David Michel — December 20, 2023

No Easy Solutions: Understanding the Scale of the Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti

This CQ examines how security conditions in Haiti have deteriorated into a complex humanitarian crisis, and why it’s vital that local and international actors find ways to support the millions of Haitians suffering from violence, disease, and food and water insecurity.

Critical Questions by Tanvi Nagpal — December 12, 2023