There is a UN push for large companies to pledge to a net-zero water consumption pledge. Often called “water positive,” it centers on making water-intensive
processes more efficient and putting more water back into a geographic area where a company operates than it takes out, something that is becoming more
of a focus as water crises like shortages, overuse, and droughts impact areas across the globe, including across the western United States. The UN is
currently predicting a 40% shortfall in freshwater resources by 2030. (see https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/31/why-water-is-the-next-net-zero-environmentaltarget.html for more information).
Because of the rising demand and scarcity of water in Western U.S. states, should the governments in these states pass mandatory net-zero water use
legislation for companies using high amounts of water in their operations in these states? What are the pros/cons, and would be an effective strategy to
provide for the rising water demands of urban areas in the West? What are examples, if any, of foreign or domestic governments taking such measures…or of
companies who have taken such a pledge – and what were the results?