The Big Short: Why Michael Burry is investing in water and what it means for you

By Evangeline Modell

Dr. Michael Burry, played by Christian Bale in the movie The Big Short, is famous for being the first to call time on the sub-prime lending market before the 2008 financial crash. He made a personal profit of over £70 million, and £540 million for his investors. Right before the credits his next big money spinner is announced:

“BURRY IS FOCUSSING ALL HIS TRADING ON ONE COMMODITY: WATER.”

Rapid population growth and climate change mean that water is becoming increasingly scarce. The water crisis might mean a wad of cash in Burry’s pocket but for the rest of the world, his investment is a clue to the seriously scary possibility of running out of water. Here’s what you need to know:

Information source National Geographic. Image: Canva

Hands holding water. Image: Canva

Information source: United Nations. Image: Canva

If you want to learn more about investing in water this World Water Day (22 March) click here.

Watch to find out more about the water crisis: