Globally, 2.2 billion people don’t have reliable access to clean drinking water. That’s roughly equivalent to the population of China and India combined. It’s an alarming total that researchers expect will only continue to grow if global leaders don’t drastically accelerate the pace of increasing the quality and quantity of water supplies. The impact of diminishing water resources will not only impact drinking water but also sanitation and hygiene, hydroelectricity, crop growth and food supply.

Water is vital. It’s inextricably linked to global health. It’s also a crucial part of business viability.

In 2020, companies around the world reported nearly $301 billion in water-related financial risks. Many consumer industries, for example, rely on water as part of their supply chain. Food, beverage, textile and cosmetic companies all need water to create a sellable product. Non-consumer corporations may have less physical risk, but there are still regulatory risks to navigate. Experts predict that as water scarcity becomes more prevalent, regulations around water use will only become more abundant. Violating those regulations, even accidentally, can pose risks to a corporation’s ability to operate. Additionally, people generally understand the importance of water in their daily lives, especially in water-stressed areas like the American West. A company’s overconsumption of water or misuse of water supplies could be subject to public scrutiny, damage a corporation’s reputation and potentially impact consumer behavior.

Private sector leaders simply can’t afford to ignore global water scarcity concerns. Investing in clean water projects is not just a social or environmental responsibility, but a strategic investment in the long-term health of a business.

So how can companies embrace their responsibility to serve as good stewards of water? One of the best ways is through trees. According to the United Nations, about 75 percent of the world’s accessible freshwater comes from forested watersheds. Trees recycle rainwater, absorbing precipitation before sending it through their roots to recharge underground water storage centers, known as aquifers. Manmade wells then later draw on aquifers to pull water back out of the ground for use.

Tree roots also naturally filter water of sediments and pollutants, creating cleaner, higher quality water. By strategically planting trees on higher ground near "headwaters," they can clean runoff before it reaches waterways that we depend on for drinking water. And while a tree’s roots are busy filtering and channeling water in the ground, their leaves are releasing water vapor into the air. That promotes healthy rainfall patterns and keeps the hydrological cycle moving.

Trees and forests are essential to safeguarding our existing water resources and expanding the availability of clean, sustainable water supplies. For example, some public and private sectors have already recognized trees' ability to control and clean water. The agricultural industry leverages trees as a way to buffer waterways and underground water supplies from their crops’ chemical pollutant runoff. In cities, urban forests are used to reduce stormwater and mitigate flooding.

Of course, tree planting is not the sole manner of effectively managing water resources. But trees have the unique ability to create profound layers of good in communities and forests, beyond water benefits alone. Trees can also slow climate change, nurture wildlife habitats, support livelihoods and reduce extreme heat. Tree planting is a water stewardship strategy that is good for the environment and good for business.

Amid global water scarcity, corporations need to understand the water risks facing their business and the communities they work in and make a bold, informed commitment to water conservation. By partnering with organizations like the Arbor Day Foundation, companies can leverage tree planting and engage in projects that maximize water benefits while also providing so many additional benefits for the planet.

With a vision, a plan and a bold willingness to act, the private sector can play a leading role in restoring water for the planet.

Article previously published on Forbes.com.