In his thought-provoking TED Talk, Odilbek Manabov, Research Fellow at the Center for Sustainable Development at IAIS, delves into one of the most overlooked dimensions of global trade. While water scarcity is a growing crisis for many nations, few realize that they are effectively exporting vast amounts of their already-limited water resources through everyday commodities such as agricultural produce, textiles, and even minerals like gold.

 

Through compelling data, striking paradoxes, and real-world case studies, the speaker exposes the hidden mechanisms of water-intensive industries, illustrating how nations struggling with water shortages — including Uzbekistan — are unknowingly depleting their most vital resource in exchange for short-term economic benefits. He highlights the paradox of water-stressed countries serving as major exporters of water-intensive crops, such as cotton, which require thousands of liters of water per kilogram.

 

Yet, this talk is not just an exposé — it is a call to action. It’s time to redefine the true cost of trade — before the well runs dry.

 

* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.