THE BLUE GOLD
Water is arguably Earth's most valuable resource. While some resources like oil and metals generate energy and enable trade, water allows life itself to exist. Over 70% of Earth's surface is covered in water, but the vast majority is far too salty for human use. Only about 1% of the planet's water is available freshwater that humans can consume. Unfortunately, climate change and growing consumption are depleting even that small fraction at an alarming rate. As a result of this disturbing shortage, other countries have opted for expensive methods to process part of the salty water for domestic use.