Businesswoman and ultramarathon runner Mina Guli has completed hundreds of marathons all over the world demanding action on the global water crisis. This is her story.

Words KATE HOLLAND

When we think of the climate emergency we are currently facing, we think of global warming, greenhouse gases, bushfires and pollution. In Australia alone, we have experienced disastrous droughts and are now in a period of catastrophic flooding with scientists predicting that severe weather events will happen more frequently as a result of climate change. But water, a finite and precious resource, is often missing from the global conversation. You might be aware of water wastage in the home but what about “invisible water”, the amount of water it takes to make clothing, food and electronic devices?

According to the Water Footprint Network, it takes 2500 litres to make a cotton T-shirt; 10,000 litres to make a pair of jeans; 2500 litres to make a meat hamburger; 13 tonnes of water to make a smartphone and 130 litres to produce a cup of coffee. Let that sink in then look around you. How much water has been used to make what you currently see? The amount of water that went into making the clothes you are wearing today is more than all the water you consumed (or will consume) before the age of 40.

Water is at the heart of everything we do, build, eat and use. Currently 66 per cent of companies face substantial water risk in direct operations or in their supply chains. By 2030, our global demand for water will exceed supply by 40 per cent.

The water crisis has had major financial implications on business bottom lines across industries ranging from agriculture to textiles and building supplies. This trajectory is set to continue and with it will bring the potential for huge negative reputational risks. Furthermore, water scarcity may pose even more significant risks to humanity if not mitigated with an increasing number of people unable to access fresh, clean water.

Ending the water crisis must be a collaborative effort, but there’s one woman out there putting her body on the line to activate real change: Mina Guli. Guli is a leading voice advocating action on the global water crisis. She has embarked upon her biggest expedition yet, RunBlue, which will see her complete 200 marathons across the globe in a single year.