While the focus in Glasgow, Scotland, during last month’s COP26 climate conference was primarily on hammering out agreements to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change on water was an underlying current running throughout the event.

As it should be. Climate change and water challenges are inextricably linked. Around the world, we are witnessing the impacts of climate change through the lens of water. And unfortunately, the lives of those living in poverty are the most vulnerable to the growing threats of water scarcity caused by global warming.  

But I’m optimistic. Our team at DuPont believes the pending water crisis can be avoided, and water can become abundant, affordable and accessible to everyone—no matter where they live. We believe it because we’ve seen what is possible in communities around the world.

We envision a future where the world’s 7.8 billion people all have daily access to safe, clean water; where makers and producers have the necessary water to make the products, food and energy on which we rely; and together we optimize the circular nature of water in a sustainable, equitable way. 

At DuPont, we see a clear path to a water-optimized world starting with global conversations on impactful solutions and cross-sector collaborations. From innovating sustainable water technologies to participating in the documentary Brave Blue World to sponsoring the City Water Optimization Index from Economist Impact, DuPont is collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs and thought leaders to discover and share solutions which enable people, industry, and the environment to thrive.

That’s why our team at DuPont is excited to partner with Water.org to increase global access to safe water, with a focus on the people and communities most vulnerable to the consequences of water scarcity.  

The partnership combines DuPont’s technical leadership in water filtration and purification solutions with Water.org’s expertise in pioneering market-driven financial solutions to the global water crisis. We’re excited to collaborate on ways to innovate and deploy climate-resilient, sustainable water solutions that can scale to people living in poverty, especially in settings where modern water and sanitation infrastructure doesn’t currently exist.

As a start, DuPont awarded Water.org an initial grant to provide 100,000 people with a year of access to safe water or improved sanitation in areas facing water scarcity. This includes India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mexico, Brazil, and Peru. The funding supports Water.org’s innovative solution, WaterCredit, that breaks down the financial barriers between people living in poverty and access to safe water and sanitation.

Our partnership with Water.org will bring added benefits to the communities we serve by tapping into the strengths of each organization to bring long-lasting, equitable, climate-resilient solutions for people most in need of safe water— improving peoples’ health and well-being while helping communities become self-sufficient and water-optimized.

Until recently, we pointed to that fact that 785 million people lacked access to safe water. And this week, our friends at Water.org reminded us that the number has recently gone down to 771 million. While its still 771 million people too many, we’re thrilled it’s going in the right direction.

Reliable access to safe water is a game-changer for those who spend hours walking miles each day retrieving unsafe water for basic needs. It allows young children to attend school, families to create wealth, and improves health and well-being overall. SDG No. 6--Clean Water and Sanitation for All—while itself a critically fundamental goal for human prosperity—is essentially interconnected with almost every other goal for sustainable development.

It is this time of year when I reflect to take stock of my work and where we can make a bigger difference in the world. I am so proud that DuPont and Water.org are making an impact together toward this vision of safe water for all. After all, clean water shouldn't be a gift. It should be a given.