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Carlos Cosín

Two Billion Denied: The Hidden Logics of Water Inequity

Despite progress towards SDG targets, 2.1 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water. This article uncovers the structural, spatial, and financial inequities behind the global water crisis and proposes a systems-integrated response—aligning WASH with water resource management, financing, and governance reform.

Blue Commitments, Real Gaps: Water Lessons from the HLPF and SDG Business Forum

At the 2025 HLPF and SDG Business Forum, water featured prominently in speeches and pledges. But behind the bold commitments lies a pressing concern: are we measuring progress by coverage alone? This article calls for a shift toward service reliability, systemic integration, and equitable private-sector engagement to truly advance global water access.

España frente al agua: entre la preocupación y la inacción

El reciente estudio del Real Instituto Elcano revela una ciudadanía altamente preocupada por la sequía, pero con escasa disposición a actuar. Carlos Cosín analiza las contradicciones clave que impiden un verdadero pacto social por el agua.

From Source to Sea: Governing the Unbroken Continuum of Water

From melting glaciers to deep oceans, water flows through a single system—yet we govern it in fragments. This article explores the growing momentum behind “source-to-sea” governance, highlighting its urgency, the lessons from Europe’s WFD and MSFD, and why integration is no longer optional. Desalination, microplastics, and nature-based solutions all show: the ocean’s future depends on freshwater decisions.

Water Crises: A Global Reality Check – Beyond Anecdotal Evidence

In 2025, water scarcity has become a global issue, affecting countries across various climates and economic levels. From urban infrastructure failure in Hyderabad, India, to excessive groundwater depletion in Tehran, Iran; from Zambia’s prolonged drought impacting food and energy security, to the Rio Grande’s decline threatening agriculture in the U.S.; and even in water-rich regions like the United Kingdom facing unprecedented dryness, the water crisis is widespread and systemic.

From Risk to Resilience: Rethinking Water Infrastructure in the Age of Climate Volatility

Amid escalating climate volatility, traditional water infrastructure design is increasingly outdated. This article explores how modular systems, nature-based solutions, and smart technologies can drive a shift toward hybrid, resilient, and adaptive water infrastructure. It also highlights the critical role of innovative governance, sustainable financing, and public-private partnerships in making this transition a reality.