The world is facing multiple crises relating to water quality, quantity and security. Government responses to date focus on a ‘business as usual’ approach prioritising economic and/or green growth. But responses that prioritise growth are largely failing. A group of some of the world’s most eminent water scholars* highlight the critical role that policy capture and inertia has played. They call for a response that is ‘Beyond Growth’ that goes well beyond business as usual. In their view, only a Beyond Growth water agenda will deliver a sustainable pathway for a better water future.
* R. Quentin Grafton (Australian National University, Australia), Safa Fanaian (Australian National University, Australia) and Sarah Ann Wheeler (Flinders University, Australia) and 28 colleagues
Grafton RQ et al (2024). Rethinking responses to the world’s water crises. Nature Sustainability
