2020 Sustainability Report| Global challenge | 55 Desertification and water stress Saving and efficiency in water consumption The climate emergency is having an enormous effect on Faced with the climate emergency, policies for saving the scarcity of water resources. In this regard, one of the and efficiency in water consumption, like those problems that will most affect the population will be the that are beginning to be approved in Europe, are decrease in the volume of water in rivers and other sources critical.A prominent example is European Directive of access.UNESCO estimates that 47% of the world's 2020/2184, on the quality of water intended for human population will live in water-stressed areas by 2030. consumption. The directive highlights the European problem of leakage in distribution networks for which it 47% complete an assessment within three years. Based on theresults, a threshold will be established below which the of the world's population will live in water- countries will have to prepare an Action Plan to reduce stressed areas by 2030 leakage levels. Circular economy These water stress risks will also be mitigated by circular economy techniques that encourage the re-use of wastewater. Concentration of population growth Smart Cities & 4.0 Industry in urban areas Globally, population growth is increasingly concentrated Given this growing concentration, there is a clear in urban areas. It currently represents 55% of the world's commitment at a global level to Smart Cities, where there population and is expected to reach 68% by 2050. is a trend for 4.0 Industry as the way of doing business. 68% Fourth Industrial Revolution This involves advanced production techniques and smart technologies for interconnected companies that are of the world's population will live in urban changing the rules of the game. areas by 2050 Smart Water / 4.0 Water In the water sector, this "Smart Water" concept (Smart Water/4.0 Water), includes such features as applied artificial intelligence, Big Data, IoT and robotics.