The whole world is facing a severe water crisis due to climate change
The world faces an unprecedented water crisis due to increasing demand and accelerated climate change. This crisis is becoming more evident with time.
A quarter of the world’s population currently faces extremely high water stress each year, according to a new study published recently. By 2050, another billion people are expected to join the pressure.
Extremely high pressure on water means that countries are using almost all of the water they have. The World Resources Institute (WRI) Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas report is published every four years.
According to the report, 25 countries face extremely high water stress each year, representing 25 percent of the global population. Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Oman are the most affected. Even short-term droughts can put countries at risk of running out of water.
“Water is arguably our most important resource on Earth,” said Samantha Kuzma, aqueduct data lead for WRI’s Water Program and research associate. Yet, we are not managing it sustainably.
“Globally, water demand has more than doubled since the 1960s. It will increase by another 20 to 25 percent by 2050.
Water demand is increasing for several reasons, including growing population and unsustainable water-use policies and lack of investment in infrastructure, including industries such as agriculture,” She added.
