Story perspectives

Water Crisis Looms: Only 5% Prepared for Shortages

10/17/2025

Center

Governments Address Water Resilience

The Kemira Water Index 2025 reveals weaknesses in water resilience in Europe and United States due to aging infrastructure and crisis preparation.
Despite high concern about climate change, only 5% of respondents have emergency plans for water shortages.
The report calls for coordinated action among governments, utilities, and citizens to address PFAS and other contaminants.
Nordic countries show long-term planning, while the U.S. and Europe face insufficient investment and awareness.

Right

US Develops GPS Alternative

The United States must develop a terrestrial alternative to the Global Positioning System (GPS) by leveraging existing 5G technologies.
Current GPS signals are weak and can fail, posing risks to military operations, emergency services, and first responders.
Experts have urged the government to act as bipartisan efforts have stalled amid competition with China.
Leveraging 5G infrastructure could provide a secure, market-driven solution without new taxes or defense contracts.

History

Historical Context

The 1977 Water Resources Development Act allocated $1.5 billion to improve aging U.S. water infrastructure, reflecting growing concerns over water scarcity and quality. Despite these efforts, a 2025 report indicates only 5% preparedness for water shortages in the U.S. and Europe, highlighting a failure to learn from past initiatives and contrasting with proactive long-term planning in Nordic countries.

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Governments Address Water Resilience

The Kemira Water Index 2025 reveals weaknesses in water resilience in Europe and United States due to aging infrastructure and crisis preparation.
Despite high concern about climate change, only 5% of respondents have emergency plans for water shortages.
The report calls for coordinated action among governments, utilities, and citizens to address PFAS and other contaminants.
Nordic countries show long-term planning, while the U.S. and Europe face insufficient investment and awareness.

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