This metric covers Sustainable Development Goal 6 of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Water scarcity and pollution create business risk through scarcity and flooding, water quality affected by pollution, reputational risk, and regulatory risk. Current estimates predict a 40% global shortfall in water supply by 2030, and businesses are recognizing that continuing to manage water the same way will place $63 trillion worth of business at risk – or 1.5 times today’s global economy. Water stewardship helps companies identify and manage water-related business risks and enable more sustainable management of shared freshwater resources. Protecting water resources and ensuring sanitation for all also reduces operational costs, protects the company from water stress; and improves the company’s image in the eyes of consumers, investors, and nearby communities. Improvement in clean and accessible water will positively impact food security, livelihood choices and educational opportunities for poor families across the world.