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INSIGHTS

New challenges, new solutions

The inventors, advisors and innovators steering the future of water security

Quarterly insights on global innovation, sustainability and the water industry
ISSUE 01 / September
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ISSUE 01 / September
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INSIGHTS

New challenges, new solutions

The inventors, advisors and innovators steering the future of water security

Quarterly insights on global innovation, sustainability and the water industry
Q3

From the A1RWATER editorial team

Published quarterly, every issue of A1RWATER Insights features trends, opinions and analysis from experts, thought leaders and changemakers within the water industry and beyond. For this inaugural issue, we present an introduction to A1RWATER, examine world-leading tools and best practices in water stewardship and offer insights about storytelling in sustainability and innovation.

This is just the beginning. Each issue will provide inspiration and practical takeaways that fuel our collective goal: ensuring water security for generations to come.

Issue 01 contributors

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INSIGHTS

Download the PDF of issue 01 to read offline and share

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A LETTER FROM CEO ALEX GUY

Welcome to A1RWATER Insights

As we launch the first issue of A1RWATER Insights, I am proud to share our vision for A1RWATER with you — one rooted in innovation, sustainability and the pioneering spirit of the UAE.
Alex Guy
A1RWATER Founder and CEO


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Where bold commitments meet regional innovation


BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN THE UAE


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“The UAE has a reputation for making bold moves when it comes to tackling the impacts of climate change.”
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UAE

Alongside the government’s initiatives, the private sector is already working towards a range of innovative solutions that include everything from reducing plastic waste and boosting renewable energy to developing toxic-free cleaning products and even creating building products from date palm waste. The country’s cherished date palm industry — the UAE is one of the largest date producers in the world — inspired researchers from the United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain to develop a biodegradable alternative to plastic straws using the tree’s leaves.

As the UAE looks to big ideas to solve its water security and plastic pollution problems, innovative technologies offer part of the answer for both the government and private companies.

“By working together, the government and private sector can create an enabling environment for the adoption of upcoming sustainable technologies,” says Wright. “This collaboration can accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future.”


Our world of water

Water’s critical role in our lives and economies

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Where water stress will be highest by 2040
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Global water scarcity, physical risk
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Extremely high

> 80%

High

40-80%

Medium to high

20-39%

Medium to low

< 19%

Water is the new currency

12,800+ litres
Smartphone

Equivalent to
25,600+ single-use
500 ml plastic bottles of water

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145,000+ litres
Average car

Equivalent to
290,000+ single-use
500 ml plastic bottles of water

7,999 litres
One pair of leather shoes
6,810 litres
16-oz steak
2,699 litres
Cotton T-shirt
140 litres
Cup of coffee

The world is producing a record amount of single-use plastic waste
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525 billion
Plastic bottles are purchased annually

1 million
Plastic bottles purchased every minute
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The 10 countries most threatened by water scarcity are concentrated in the Middle East

Top five
7,512%
Kuwait
4,297%
UAE
2,674%
Qatar
1,097%
Saudi Arabia
718%
Libya

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR ORGANISATION’S WATER RISK

Using the World Wide Fund for Nature’s Water Risk Filter to turn insight into action

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The WWF Water Risk Filter enables [organisations and financial institutions] to identify water risks facing their operations, value chains and investments both now and in the future,” says Isabel Meza, Research & Development Manager, WWF Risk Filter Suite. “[The tool enables them] to better account for water within their corporate strategies and investment decisions in order to build resilience for their businesses and investments. In turn, they can identify what actions to prioritise and where it matters most to mitigate water risk, supporting the river basins in which their businesses operate and upon which their investments depend.
Hilton’s strategy: Managing water risks and empowering communities
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Corporate water reliance and its consequences

The WWF Water Risk Filter is relevant to companies across various sectors, from agriculture to telecommunications. Its global dataset includes 32 basin indicators based on peer-reviewed spatial data. “Every basin will have a different risk focus according to the nature and conditions in the basin, coupled with the industry sector operating there,” says Meza.

The relationship between companies, communities and their water sources is one defined by dependence and impacts. “Water is not a global resource, but rather a local one,” says Rylan Dobson, WWF Senior Water Stewardship Manager. Site-specific analysis is therefore critical to ensuring that a company’s response to water is aligned with the unique local water challenges. Businesses must evaluate their risks by examining the cumulative water risks faced by each site in their value chain.

Understanding the three layers of water risk

“We always recommend conducting a water risk assessment at the start of, and as part of, any strategy development process as it is a structured way of understanding the unique local water risks facing operational sites,” says Dobson.

WWF’s Water Risk Filter focuses on three core areas: physical, regulatory and reputational water risks across a company’s value chain. These categories carry potential financial implications, whether through increased costs, revenue loss or impacts on brand value.

WWF also divides its analysis into basin water risks, considering the company’s geographic locations and conditions of the basins and operational water risks, focusing on the company’s water reliance and impact on these ecosystems. “In combination, the two sets of results allow a company to better understand which sites not only face potentially challenging external conditions, but also which sites could face greater risks if the larger operational uses of or dependencies on water are similar to these external challenges,” says Dobson. “These insights can then enable companies to develop more localised, or contextual, strategies for more specific local water challenges.”

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1. Physical risks

Physical risks emerge from a company's geographical location and its operational dependence on water. These risks include:

  • Basin water risks: Companies situated in areas prone to water scarcity, flooding, poor water quality or ecosystem degradation.
  • Operational water risks: Businesses heavily reliant on water for their activities or those that significantly impact water resources. This dependence can lead to operational disruptions if water availability or quality declines.
2. Regulatory risks

Regulatory risks are influenced by the governance and regulatory environment in which a company operates:

  • Basin water risks: Companies in regions with unstable, ineffective or poorly implemented regulatory frameworks are at greater regulatory risk.
  • Operational water risks: Businesses not prepared for regulatory changes or those non-compliant with existing regulations may face restrictions, fines or operational halts.
3. Reputational risks

Reputational risks arise from the perceptions of stakeholders and local communities:

  • Companies perceived as unsustainable or irresponsible in their water usage can face reputational damage, impacting potential media coverage and water-related conflicts.

TRANSFORMING INSIGHTS TO IMPACT

The WWF team notes that the Water Risk Filter should be used primarily as a screening and prioritisation tool to identify water risk hotspots and enhance resilience in high-priority areas. WWF water experts are available to support companies in analysing the results of their mapping exercises and recommending next steps, a process that often involves the following four stages.
Establishing risk score thresholds
To create actionable findings, it’s necessary to establish a company’s baselines for risk tolerance. WWF’s risk score thresholds range from 1 (very low risk) to 5 (very high risk). Sites with scores above 3.4 are considered high risk. A conservative approach also considers sites with scores of 3.0 or higher.
Aligning on priorities and involving local experts

Next, it’s important to compare the three risk types — physical, regulatory and reputational — and evaluate the risk scores for each to identify which poses the highest threat. “There is no one- size-fits-all action plan for water,” says Dobson. “For some geographies or operational units, certain water action should be prioritised over others. Where water quality is a challenge, more resources and action should focus on this issue rather than efficiency.”

WWF recommends verifying and refining assessments with on-the-ground information. “Local-scale data often represents a more accurate overview of the context that might impact companies’ operations,” says Meza. “Once the WWF Water Risk Filter has been used for prioritisation, we always recommend users verify and refine with local expert knowledge before making any decisions.”

Analysing scenarios

Companies can use scenario analysis to manage uncertainties and assess their long-term climate and water-related risks. WWF’s tool provides three scenario projections for the years 2030 and 2050: optimistic, current trend and pessimistic pathways. Planning for at least two scenarios, including a pessimistic one, helps prepare for a range of possible futures.

“While it is important to take contextually appropriate response actions to current water and biodiversity risks, strategies should also seek to build future resilience,” says Meza.

Setting contextual targets

What is measured is set in motion. “Setting targets is a core part of business,” says Dobson, “and targets are a key element in monitoring the effectiveness of water and biodiversity strategies.” WWF recommends setting contextual targets that consider local water basin conditions, offering site-specific day-to-day guidance to ensure resources are strategically allocated for meaningful impact.

Where water dependencies and impacts are strategically material for specific operational units, WWF would encourage companies to consider setting science-based targets, established in line with the latest hydrological science recommendations. They continue to work with companies, financial institutions and partners worldwide to facilitate the development of a practical methodology to set these forms of targets.

A timely call to action

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Managing water risk

Additional tools and frameworks for companies worldwide:
CDP
Originally founded as the Carbon Disclosure Project in 2000, CDP is a nonprofit that runs a global disclosure system for companies, investors and cities to report on environmental impacts such as water use.
Learn more
The Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures
The Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures was formed in 2020 and offers recommendations and online tools to guide companies in integrating nature-based considerations into their reporting and corporate decision-making.
Learn more
Science-Based Targets Network
The Science-Based Targets Network was founded in 2019 by a group of global NGOs, including CDP, World Resources Institute, WWF, United Nations Global Compact, World Economic Forum and more. The organisation supports companies and cities in developing and setting science-based targets.
Learn more

GLOBAL WATER USAGE FACT SHEET

The urgent need for scalable solutions

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In the coming years, the illusion of water's infinite availability will confront its most significant test. It is time for solutions that transform access and consumption across a broad range of applications.

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Worldwide, agriculture accounts for roughly 70% of freshwater withdrawals, followed by industry (just under 20%) and domestic (municipal) uses at 12%.

02


Groundwater supplies approximately 25% of the water used for irrigation and half of the freshwater needed for domestic purposes.

03


Municipal water demands have experienced a considerable increase relative to other sectors — a trend that is likely to continue with increased urbanisation.

04


Global freshwater demand is expected to exceed supply by 40% by 2030.

05


An estimated 60% of the world’s irrigated agriculture faces extremely high water stress.

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Every industry requires water in some way. With current systems, two-thirds of businesses already have substantial risks (physical, regulatory, reputational or stakeholder) in their operations or value chain.
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Interview with the inventor



Interview with the inventor

Meet Dave Cupit, one of the visionary minds behind A1RWATER’s atmospheric water technology

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Dave Cupit has spent a lifetime disrupting water filtration and creating new atmospheric water generation (AWG) solutions. From pioneering systems for companies in the UK and U.S. to developing groundbreaking air-to-water technology in the GCC, Asia and beyond, his imaginative signature is found on revolutionary solutions for top-tier companies around the globe. Blending a keen engineering mind with blue-skies thinking and Six Sigma philosophies, his solutions are bold, exacting and transformative.

Today, as COO at A1RWATER, Dave oversees product R&D and installation. Dave joins us to discuss how A1RWATER has evolved, what’s unique about our technology and ideas he and our product team are pursuing next.

Q&A

DC: We started with a blank sheet of paper on the first of October in 2018. We wanted to begin from scratch with a brand new concept, a brand new design that we would develop from the bottom up, rather than trying to improve something and tear it down.

After auditing different manufacturers, with the exception of one, they all were essentially water cooler manufacturers. They had seen a niche in the market and added an extra compressor in their machines. Mostly the technology wasn’t commercially ready or real, which gave early air-to-water technology bad press.

We could have bought and badged another manufacturer’s product, but we decided if we were going to do it, the technology was going to be ours and it was going to be different. We said let’s lead the pack, or let's not do it at all.


THE EVOLUTION OF STORYTELLING IN SUSTAINABILITY

How a strong ESG narrative can transform audience engagement

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Jessica Hollander Torres

A1RWATER
Chief Commercial Officer

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In the realm of business and technology, storytelling has long been a powerful tool. It shapes brands, connects with audiences and drives change. In recent years, the narrative surrounding sustainability has evolved significantly, transforming from a niche concern into a central pillar of corporate strategy. As companies navigate the complexities of environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, the art of storytelling has become more crucial than ever.

The shift in sustainability narratives

Historically, sustainability was often relegated to the sidelines of corporate priorities. It was seen as an optional add-on, rather than a fundamental component of business strategy. Early narratives focused on compliance and risk mitigation, highlighting the bare minimum required to meet regulatory standards. However, as environmental challenges have become more pressing, this approach has shifted dramatically.

Today, sustainability is at the heart of business operations, influencing everything from product development to marketing strategies. Companies are not just reacting to regulations — they are proactively setting ambitious ESG goals. This shift has necessitated a new kind of storytelling, one that emphasises authenticity, innovation and long-term impact.

The power of an ESG story

An effective ESG story does more than showcase a company's green credentials. It weaves sustainability into the very fabric of the brand, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with stakeholders. For businesses, this means moving beyond platitudes and demonstrating tangible actions and results. It’s about showing — not just telling — how they are making a difference.

A strong ESG story can enhance brand reputation, build trust with consumers and attract investors. It can also differentiate a company in a crowded market, providing a competitive edge. For instance, consumers are increasingly favouring brands that align with their values, and employees are seeking purpose-driven employers. By embedding sustainability into their core narrative, companies can forge deeper connections with their audiences.

Takeaways for companies crafting their ESG narratives

01
Be authentic

02
Integrate sustainability into your core

03
Tell a compelling story

04
Be transparent and accountable

05
Innovate for impact

The evolution of sustainability storytelling is transforming how companies engage with their audiences and achieve their ESG goals. A powerful narrative, rooted in authenticity and innovation, can drive meaningful change. As companies navigate their sustainability journeys, crafting a compelling ESG story will be crucial for building a resilient and purpose-driven brand. By embracing these principles, businesses can not only enhance their market position, but also contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
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CLEAN TECH IN THE UAE

Clean tech’s potential — what new UAE entrants should know

Harry Amos, Managing Director of Kestrel Global, shares local insights and recommendations

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HA: It comes down to the clear and decisive nature of the UAE’s leadership. The UAE has a fantastic track record of hosting world-class sustainability events, from Expo 2020 to COP28 last year, where the world's brightest and best investors and green tech companies are given a global platform. Combined with the development of green ecosystems at Expo City, Masdar City, Dubai Tech Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park and many more, companies have world-class infrastructure and a favourable regulatory environment to do business in.

The government also supports new clean tech entrants with incentives, rebates and a vibrant investment sector with focused clean tech verticals and large portfolios in which to implement the technology they are investing in. The fact that the UAE is forward-looking while being small and dynamic means that it can implement innovative clean tech into the market quickly and efficiently.

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Conclusion

The insights here represent just some of the challenges and opportunities surrounding global water security as we look ahead to the years to come. Stay tuned for future issues with topical insights, regional reporting and more.

It is a pivotal moment for government, corporate and sustainability leaders to choose responsible practices and make a lasting impact. Interested in learning more about how we can assist with your sustainable water strategies?