With freshwater supplies under increasing strain, some have suggested utilizing desalination to provide water for agriculture. Desalination, the removal of salts from saline water to provide freshwater, could offer a drought-proof water source if scaled up significantly. However, desalination remains controversial due to its high costs and energy demands. I pose the question – should there be increased investment in desalination to supply water for agriculture?

Those in favor may argue that the technology has improved dramatically, leading to lower costs, and that combining desalination with renewable energy sources like solar or wind could reduce environmental impacts. Securing a reliable water source could allow expansion of agriculture and food production. However, critics note that even with technical advances, desalination remains energy intensive. The concentrate byproduct may also negatively impact marine ecosystems if not disposed of properly.

There are also concerns regarding how the high costs of desalination could affect food affordability and farmers' livelihoods. Careful consideration is needed regarding how increased desalination infrastructure would be financed. I welcome ideas on whether the benefits of supplementing freshwater with desalinated water for agriculture outweigh the costs and externalities. Please share your perspectives on the opportunities and challenges increased desalination could present.