The economics of water: Valuing the hydrological cycle as a global common good

Honorary President of The Club of Rome, Mamphela Ramphele, is one of the commissioners of the recently published report, The Economics of Water: Valuing the Hydrological Cycle as a Global Common Good. The report, developed by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, explores the urgent need to rethink how water is valued and managed globally.

The report highlights the challenges posed by disruptions to the global water cycle, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, and stresses the importance of recognising water as a global common good. It calls for collective action to restore a stable hydrological cycle, essential for ensuring the human right to water, food security and sustainable development.

The Commission’s recommendations focus on valuing water not only for its economic benefits but also for its role in supporting ecosystems. The report underlines the need for international cooperation and policy changes to address the growing water crisis.

Ramphele’s involvement in this work reflects her ongoing dedication to global sustainability and equitable solutions.

Ramphele remarks: “Our relationship with water must be redefined. We need collective action to restore balance to the global water cycle, ensuring that it is valued as a shared resource vital to sustaining life and achieving equitable development. We also need to learn from indigenous communities across the world, who represent 6% of the global population yet protect more than 80% of vital ecosystems, including watersheds!”

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