Pacific Institute unveils strategic plan through 2026

Pacific Institute unveils strategic plan through 2026 | Photo: Gary Yost

As global climate pressures intensify, the Pacific Institute stands at the forefront of efforts to build a resilient and sustainable water future. From its base in Oakland, California, the non-partisan think tank has become a pivotal force in shaping international water governance and guiding climate adaptation strategies through rigorous science and policy engagement.

A blueprint for transformation by 2026

The Institute’s strategic plan through 2026 sets an ambitious goal: to accelerate a worldwide shift toward “water resilience” by 2030. This strategy targets four interlinked areas of impact designed to address scarcity, inequality and environmental degradation.

The first, water efficiency and reuse, focuses on maximising existing supplies through technological and behavioural innovation. Research shows that California alone could reduce urban water use by nearly 50 per cent if efficiency and reuse practices were fully implemented.

Secondly, the organisation advances water equity, emphasising that access to safe, affordable water and sanitation must be universal. This commitment builds on the Institute’s earlier work that contributed to the global recognition of water as a human right in 2010, aligning with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.

The third pillar, nature-based solutions, leverages natural systems such as wetlands, forests and floodplains to protect water quality, manage floods and restore ecosystem balance. Finally, the corporate water stewardship programme engages more than 360 companies through the CEO Water Mandate, a collaboration with the UN Global Compact promoting responsible water use and shared accountability in global supply chains.

Data-driven insights for a changing world

Renowned for its evidence-based research, the Pacific Institute maintains influential tools that inform both policymakers and the public. Its Water Conflict Chronology, an open-source database spanning over 4,500 years, records incidents of water-related disputes worldwide. Alarming recent data revealed that 2024 marked a record 420 such conflicts, signalling rising stress on water systems and governance.

The Institute also publishes The World’s Water, a biennial report recognised as one of the most authoritative assessments of the planet’s freshwater resources. Complementing this, the Water Resilience Coalition—an initiative under the CEO Water Mandate—seeks to deliver measurable benefits to 100 high-priority river basins by 2030, positively impacting an estimated 3 billion people.

Leadership and vision

Under the leadership of Jason Morrison, President, and Dr Peter Gleick, Co-founder and President Emeritus, the Institute continues to merge science, policy and advocacy to confront the world’s most pressing water challenges. Gleick’s pioneering work on the hydrologic impacts of climate change and international water conflict has made the organisation a respected authority in both academic and diplomatic circles.

By bridging data, innovation and equity, the Pacific Institute exemplifies how independent research can drive global cooperation for sustainable water futures.

For further information on international efforts toward water resilience, visit pacinst.org and explore the Water Resilience Coalition initiative here.