Report: One in four people globally face extreme water scarcity I DW News

Summary

A new report by the World Resources Institute highlights the global water crisis, with a quarter of the world's population lacking access to sufficient water. The crisis, exacerbated by climate change, is especially severe in regions like the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Increasing competition for water threatens agriculture, industry, and households. While water demand in the U.S. and Europe may plateau, these regions still face water stress. Solutions include tackling climate change, improving water infrastructure, and financial support for low-income countries to manage sustainable water resources.

Takeaways

• 🚨 A new report warns that a quarter of the world's population lacks enough water to meet basic needs for drinking, agriculture, and industry.
• 🔥 Burning coal, oil, and gas is intensifying the climate crisis, leading to more extreme heatwaves and droughts, exacerbating water scarcity.
• 💧 Water scarcity is expected to worsen globally, leading to increased competition for resources, potentially cutting off access to water for essential needs like power generation, food production, and households.
• 🌍 The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are the most affected regions, with all people in the region predicted to face extreme water stress by 2050.
• 🇮🇳 Countries in South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, are also hotspots for water stress.
• 🌱 Excessive water consumption by agriculture and industry, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, is a major factor in the crisis, with water use in this region expected to double in coming decades.
• 🚱 More than half of all countries lack sustainable water management practices, posing severe risks to agriculture and local economies.
• 🛠 Improving water infrastructure and reducing waste is essential, as 30% of global freshwater is lost through leaks and poor systems.
• ♻️ There is significant potential to improve water treatment and reuse, especially in low-income countries, to prevent the contamination of natural water resources like rivers and lakes.
• 💰 Low-income countries facing severe debt crises are calling for financial support from rich nations and international institutions to invest in sustainable water management and adapt to climate change.

Q & A

What is the main concern raised in the report by the World Resources Institute?

The report highlights that a quarter of the world's population lacks sufficient water for drinking, agriculture, and industry, and this problem is expected to worsen due to climate change and increasing demand.

How does burning fossil fuels contribute to the global water crisis?

Burning coal, oil, and gas fuels climate change, which exacerbates water scarcity by intensifying heat waves and droughts, making water less available.

Which regions are currently the most affected by extreme water shortages?

Countries in the Middle East and North Africa are the hardest hit, with predictions that by 2050, everyone in the region will suffer from extreme water stress. India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are also considered hotspots.

Why is water consumption in sub-Saharan Africa expected to more than double in the coming decades?

The increase in water consumption in sub-Saharan Africa is primarily due to the expansion of agriculture for export, which will demand more water despite the region being drought-stricken.

What are some solutions mentioned to prevent future water crises?

The report suggests sustainable water use, improving water infrastructure to reduce waste, and reusing water through better water treatment systems, particularly in low-income countries.

What challenges do low-income countries face in managing water resources?

Low-income countries are dealing with a debt crisis, making it difficult to access financial resources for investing in sustainable water management and climate adaptation.

What role do international financial institutions play in addressing the water crisis in low-income countries?

Institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, dominated by rich countries, are being asked by low-income nations to provide financial support and greater flexibility so they can invest in sustainable water management.

Why is water scarcity expected to have severe implications for agriculture?

Agriculture is heavily dependent on both the timing and quantity of water. With increasing water stress, there will be more competition for water resources, potentially leading to crop failures and food shortages.

What is the significance of improving water infrastructure according to the report?

Improving water infrastructure is crucial because a large amount of treated water, approximately 30%, is wasted due to leaks in pipelines, representing a significant loss of fresh water, money, and energy.

Why is the issue of water scarcity not being adequately addressed in major climate discussions?

Despite its importance, water scarcity is not being prioritized in major climate discussions like COP. Experts argue that it needs more attention as water is essential for addressing broader climate impacts.