Seven Weeks for Water 2025, week 4: Is the “Water Futures Market” the Future of Water?

The fourth reflection of the Seven Weeks for Water 2025 series of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network is jointly written by  Dinesh Suna and Prof. Susan  Smith. They reflect on the pressing issues surrounding water in the context of climate change,  especially the disastrous  recent wildfires in California. Ironically, in 2020 California had  introduced the water in the “futures market” as a tradable commodity like oil and gold.  They underscore, the importance of prioritizing water as a common good, and the ethical challenges surrounding water privatization. An orange cloud of smoke rises from a forest fire near Barillas, Huehuetenango, Guatemala. Photo credit: Sean Hawkey 24 March 2025 by Dinesh Suna & Susan Smith* Text:  Isaiah 41:17 "When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongues are parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them." Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the LORD's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it"  Reflection: The relationship between water scarcity and wildfires cannot be overstated. In 2023 as well as in January this year, California experienced unprecedented wildfires, an omen of the worsening conditions brought about by climate change. As warmer temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns prevail, the demand for water becomes increasingly urgent. With limited access to clean water, communities around the world find themselves trapped in a cycle of vulnerability. Isaiah  reminds us that, when the poor suffer water scarcity, Lord God will answer them and quench their thirst. This promise of God, serves as a reminder of God’s provision of the gift of water and our call as people of God to ensure that all people have access to this life-giving resource! The Water Futures Market In December 2020, the introduction of water futures trading in California marked a controversial shift, where water was enlisted alongside commodities like oil and gold. Proponents argue it helps manage risks and promote efficient water usage. However, this commoditization raises ethical concerns, particularly as climate change intensifies droughts and wildfires, turning water access into a dire issue of life and death. The very State that introduced “water futures market” faced disastrous wildfires that devastated lives of thousands of people and destroyed properties worth billions of dollars.  This financial approach treats water as a profit-driven resource rather than a fundamental human right. The California water futures determine access to water by market dynamics. However economically efficient this might be, it further exacerbates the  inequalities of income and wealth, leading to systemic injustice. This is wholly inconsistent with the biblical principle of stewardship, wherein we are called to care for God's creation and prioritize the needs of the vulnerable. Water justice demands equitable access to water for all,  contrary to all privatization schemes, which inevitably prioritize profit over people. "The earth is the LORD's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it" (Psalm 24:1). As stewards of God’s creation, we must advocate against monopolizing water resources and affirm the dignity of every individual. Access to clean, safe water should not be contingent upon one’s ability to pay or be subject to market speculation; it is a basic human right. World Water Day and the Climate Connection Last week, on March 22, we celebrated the World Water Day. This year highlighting the theme of " Glacier Preservation", thereby underlining importance of climate change and its impact on water resources.   As we observe this day, let us reflect on the urgent need for collective action in addressing this issue.  The ongoing challenges of droughts and wildfires are a direct call to acknowledge our role in protecting the environment. We are reminded of the interconnectedness of these issues; as we pursue policies that prioritize water equity, we simultaneously combat the broader impacts of climate change. Conclusion In closing, we are reminded that our faith calls us to advocate for water justice and to act with integrity concerning the stewardship of water resources. The discourse on the water futures market presents a vital opportunity for reflection and action. May we strive to ensure that access to water is recognized as an inherent right, one that must be protected from commodification. As we work towards these goals, let us seek divine guidance and strength, embodying the principles of love, justice, and stewardship in our efforts to foster a world where everyone has access to life’s most essential resource. Let us commit to a vision of water justice that honours the sacredness of this life-giving resource and embraces our collective duty to nurture and protect the common good. Reflection Questions: How can our community actively promote water justice in light of the challenges presented by climate change? In what ways can we educate ourselves and others about the ethical implications of treating water as a commodity? How can we engage in discussions and actions that prioritize the human right to water over profit motives? Action: Advocate for implementation of water as a human right. Say “No” to privatisation of water and prioritise water for life over water for profit! Educate yourself and others about the impacts of climate change on water resources. As we engage in this study, let us pray for wisdom, courage, and a renewed commitment to uphold the ethical principles of water stewardship in all our actions and decisions. Resources:  The United Nations World Water Development Report 2025, Mountains and glaciers: water towers; facts and figures - UNESCO Digital Library https://oikoumene.org/resources/bible-studies/seven-weeks-for-water-2021-week-5-water-on-wall-street-the-ultimate-abuse-of-gods-gift-by-susan-smith-and-dinesh-suna https://www.unwater.org/our-work/world-water-day Dinesh Suna, a Lutheran Christian from India, coordinates the WCC Ecumenical Water Network as well as WCC’s Land, Water & Food Advocacy from Geneva.  Susan Smith is Professor (emeritus) of Law and Director of the Certificate Program in Sustainability at the Willamette University, USA. She represents the United Church of Christ as a Commissioner at the WCC’s Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development (CCJSD). See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland