The New Economics of Water: Industrial and Agricultural Resilience

The article analyzes the transition from a linear model to a new economics of water, in which this resource ceases to be a cheap medium and becomes a critical strategic element. The author points to the necessity of accounting for hidden costs, such as climate risk or regulatory requirements, which directly affect company profitability. The key pillars of building industrial resilience are: precise water balancing (basic, extended, and full) and the 'Water efficiency First' principle. This approach shifts the focus from searching for new water intake sources to optimizing internal processes, recovery, and cascading resource use. Implementing these solutions is essential in the face of a changing climate and the Water Strategy for Polish Industry 2030-2035.