Actor Matt Damon and engineer Gary White join Margaret Hoover to talk about the work of the organization they co-founded to confront the global water crisis, Water.org, and their new book, “The Worth of Water: Our Story of Chasing Solutions to the World's Greatest Challenge.”
With 771 million people around the world living without safe water and sanitation, Water.org facilitates small loans for families in developing countries to fund their own access to water. Damon and White explain why they adopted a microfinancing model and why they believe it works.
They recount how their “bromance” began, why skepticism of celebrity activism didn’t stop them, and what led them to launch WaterEquity, an investment fund that harnesses the forces of capitalism to help fuel further philanthropy.
Damon addresses how their progress is threatened by climate change, defends his advertising partnership with Crypto.com, and reflects on his role in the 2011 film “Contagion” in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. He and White also underscore their commitment to ending the water crisis in their lifetimes.
Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Stephens Inc., Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The David Tepper Charitable Foundation Inc., The Fairweather Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button and Simmons Family Foundation.