Our oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and hold a staggering 97% of the planet’s water. Yet they remain one of the most overlooked resources in tackling the global water crisis.

This World Ocean Day, under the theme “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us”, we’re called to reflect on the ocean’s vital role in sustaining life on Earth and the future of water. Protecting marine ecosystems means recognizing their intrinsic value, and the many ways they contribute to a more water-secure, climate-resilient future—for people and planet alike.

THE GLOBAL WATER CRISIS

More than two billion people live in countries experiencing high water stress—and that number is rising. With less than 1% of the planet’s water accessible for human use, the need for innovative and sustainable solutions that provide global water security has never been greater. 

Desalination—removing salts from water to make it usable—has long been considered a promising solution to the global water crisis. Today, most seawater desalination plants rely on reverse osmosis, a technology that has steadily improved over the years, but is now nearing its limits in efficiency and cost. That’s why nearly two-thirds of desalination plants are located in wealthy nations, while regions hit hardest by water scarcity – often low- to middle-income countries – are left without access to this technology. 

Creating reliable, affordable, and sustainable ways to access freshwater from our oceans could revolutionize water availability globally, especially for the communities that need it most. With the right innovations, desalination has the potential to shift from a privilege of the few to a lifeline for many.

RETHINKING DESALINATION: INNOVATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

XPRIZE Water Scarcity is a $119M global competition designed to accelerate next-generation desalination technologies that are low-cost, energy-efficient, and environmentally safe. By catalyzing bold ideas and breakthrough science, the prize aims to democratize access to clean water and ensure that solutions scale equitably across the globe.

But access alone isn’t enough—we also need to ensure that the solutions we scale protect the very ecosystems they depend on. At XPRIZE, we believe innovation and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand. As we push the boundaries of what’s possible in desalination, we’re equally focused on minimizing ecological impact, preserving marine biodiversity, and advancing technologies that contribute to long-term ocean health.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT: INNOVATE FOR IMPACT

Driving breakthroughs in desalination technology and solving the global water crisis will take unprecedented collaboration—from climate tech startups and engineers to oceanographers and impact investors. We need visionaries to develop and support breakthrough ideas that can have a real-world impact.

Let’s celebrate World Ocean Day 2025 by investing in solutions that protect our oceans while providing clean water for all. Together, we can build a future where our oceans sustain human and aquatic life in every corner of the globe. Learn more at xprize.org/water.

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