2050 Investors — Economic and markets megatrends, ahead of 2050’s global sustainability targets

Singing 'for' the Rain: Investigating Water Scarcity (ft. Jo Harrison, Environment, Planning and Innovation Director at United Utilities)

37min | 11/11/2026

Description

Is the Earth running out of fresh water?

The summer of 2022 saw significant droughts across the world, with serious ripple effects from energy shortages to severe food insecurity. But how can we have a water crisis when water makes up close to three quarters of our planet’s surface?

In this episode, Kokou Agbo-Bloua looks at how climate change is disrupting our planet’s water cycle. He explores the vast reserves of our planet against the backdrop of dwindling freshwater resources. From record rainless periods in Europe to the water-intensive nature of various industries, he examines the alarming realities and potential solutions to this growing challenge.

Exploring global water consumption patterns, he focuses on industries and food items driving high water footprints. The episode sheds light on the water requirements behind everyday products, prompting a deeper reflection on our consumption habits.

Expert guest Jo Harrison from water utilities company United Utilities Group PLC also discusses the impacts of climate change on freshwater supply, offering insights into measures taken by water utilities to mitigate its effects. Her expertise extends to leakage reduction strategies and innovative leak detection technologies, providing hope for a more sustainable future in the face of water scarcity.

Join the conversation as they contemplate the escalating demand for water and the urgent need for conservation efforts on a global scale. As Queen Elizabeth II aptly put it, "It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change."

Gain insights into the global water crisis, including its causes, impacts and potential solutions. Understand the relationship between climate change and freshwater supply, and benefit from the expertise of Jo Harrison as she highlights practical measures and technologies being employed to address water scarcity.

Crédits

Présentation et écriture : Kokou Agbo-Bloua.
Production & édition : Matthew Johnson, Jennifer Krumm, Elise Bou.
Réalisation : La Vilaine, Pierre-Emmanuel Lurton.
Traduction : Jeremy Filleul
Musique : Cézame Music Agency.
Création graphique : Studio Société Générale

This episode is a reworked replay based on its original version. (link to the original version)

Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About 2050 Investors — Economic and markets megatrends, ahead of 2050’s global sustainability targets

Welcome to 2050 Investors your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.

Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.

In each episode, Kokou deep-dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone.

Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments.

If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed!

Previous episodes of 2050 Investors have explored the post-COVID growth cycle, inflation, ESG-influenced financial assets, changes in the workplace and labour market, climate change, artificial intelligence, greenflation, smart cities, mobility, insurance, the macroeconomic impacts of the war in Ukraine, the food industry, hydrogen versus other renewables, the water cycle, the end of abundance, globalization and international trade, plastic pollution, health care, happiness and economic growth, biodiversity collapse, the fashion and retail industry, the energy transition, and more.

Credits
Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editor: Vincent Nickelsen, Linda Isker, Jovaney Ashman. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Rone. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.

Although the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About 2050 Investors — Economic and markets megatrends, ahead of 2050’s global sustainability targets

Welcome to 2050 Investors your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.

Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.

In each episode, Kokou deep-dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone.

Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments.

If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed!

Previous episodes of 2050 Investors have explored the post-COVID growth cycle, inflation, ESG-influenced financial assets, changes in the workplace and labour market, climate change, artificial intelligence, greenflation, smart cities, mobility, insurance, the macroeconomic impacts of the war in Ukraine, the food industry, hydrogen versus other renewables, the water cycle, the end of abundance, globalization and international trade, plastic pollution, health care, happiness and economic growth, biodiversity collapse, the fashion and retail industry, the energy transition, and more.

Credits
Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editor: Vincent Nickelsen, Linda Isker, Jovaney Ashman. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Rone. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.

Although the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

Is the Earth running out of fresh water?

The summer of 2022 saw significant droughts across the world, with serious ripple effects from energy shortages to severe food insecurity. But how can we have a water crisis when water makes up close to three quarters of our planet’s surface?

In this episode, Kokou Agbo-Bloua looks at how climate change is disrupting our planet’s water cycle. He explores the vast reserves of our planet against the backdrop of dwindling freshwater resources. From record rainless periods in Europe to the water-intensive nature of various industries, he examines the alarming realities and potential solutions to this growing challenge.

Exploring global water consumption patterns, he focuses on industries and food items driving high water footprints. The episode sheds light on the water requirements behind everyday products, prompting a deeper reflection on our consumption habits.

Expert guest Jo Harrison from water utilities company United Utilities Group PLC also discusses the impacts of climate change on freshwater supply, offering insights into measures taken by water utilities to mitigate its effects. Her expertise extends to leakage reduction strategies and innovative leak detection technologies, providing hope for a more sustainable future in the face of water scarcity.

Join the conversation as they contemplate the escalating demand for water and the urgent need for conservation efforts on a global scale. As Queen Elizabeth II aptly put it, "It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change."

Gain insights into the global water crisis, including its causes, impacts and potential solutions. Understand the relationship between climate change and freshwater supply, and benefit from the expertise of Jo Harrison as she highlights practical measures and technologies being employed to address water scarcity.

Crédits

Présentation et écriture : Kokou Agbo-Bloua.
Production & édition : Matthew Johnson, Jennifer Krumm, Elise Bou.
Réalisation : La Vilaine, Pierre-Emmanuel Lurton.
Traduction : Jeremy Filleul
Musique : Cézame Music Agency.
Création graphique : Studio Société Générale

This episode is a reworked replay based on its original version. (link to the original version)

Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About 2050 Investors — Economic and markets megatrends, ahead of 2050’s global sustainability targets

Welcome to 2050 Investors your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.

Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.

In each episode, Kokou deep-dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone.

Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments.

If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed!

Previous episodes of 2050 Investors have explored the post-COVID growth cycle, inflation, ESG-influenced financial assets, changes in the workplace and labour market, climate change, artificial intelligence, greenflation, smart cities, mobility, insurance, the macroeconomic impacts of the war in Ukraine, the food industry, hydrogen versus other renewables, the water cycle, the end of abundance, globalization and international trade, plastic pollution, health care, happiness and economic growth, biodiversity collapse, the fashion and retail industry, the energy transition, and more.

Credits
Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editor: Vincent Nickelsen, Linda Isker, Jovaney Ashman. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Rone. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.

Although the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About 2050 Investors — Economic and markets megatrends, ahead of 2050’s global sustainability targets

Welcome to 2050 Investors your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.

Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.

In each episode, Kokou deep-dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone.

Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments.

If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed!

Previous episodes of 2050 Investors have explored the post-COVID growth cycle, inflation, ESG-influenced financial assets, changes in the workplace and labour market, climate change, artificial intelligence, greenflation, smart cities, mobility, insurance, the macroeconomic impacts of the war in Ukraine, the food industry, hydrogen versus other renewables, the water cycle, the end of abundance, globalization and international trade, plastic pollution, health care, happiness and economic growth, biodiversity collapse, the fashion and retail industry, the energy transition, and more.

Credits
Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editor: Vincent Nickelsen, Linda Isker, Jovaney Ashman. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Rone. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.

Although the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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