Episode 34 (pt 1): Inside luxury giant Kering’s new water strategy

Water-related climate risks—ranging from severe droughts in the UK to devastating floods in South Asia—are immediate operational and humanitarian crises rather than abstract future threats. Businesses face significant financial exposure, with collective losses projected to reach $77 billion by mid-century. To mitigate these risks, luxury house Kering has launched a comprehensive water strategy targeting net-positive impact by 2035. Rachel Kolbe Semhoun, Head of Sustainable Sourcing and Nature Initiatives, emphasizes that effective water stewardship requires a shift from global carbon-style accounting to place-based, local interventions. By establishing "water resilience labs" in key watersheds like the Arno Basin, companies can collaborate with local authorities, farmers, and cross-sector peers to restore ecosystem health. This localized, multi-stakeholder approach secures supply chains while fostering long-term resilience for both businesses and the communities in which they operate.