The World Resources Institute (WRI) has released alarming research revealing that 25 countries, collectively housing a quarter of the world’s population, are grappling with extreme water stress. This dire situation means that these nations consistently utilize a staggering 80% of their water supplies each year.
WRI’s Aqueduct water risk map uncovers a disturbing trend – global water demand has more than doubled since 1960 and is continuing to rise. Although Europe and the US have seen water demand stabilize, Africa is experiencing an exponential surge. Predictions indicate that by 2050, global water demand could escalate between 20% and 25%.
Among the countries most affected by water stress are Saudi Arabia, Chile, San Marino, Belgium, and Greece. The top five facing the highest stress levels are Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Oman.
A profound global challenge is emerging: approximately half of the world’s population, around 4 billion people, faces extreme water stress for at least one month annually. Shockingly, this number could escalate to nearly 60% by 2050.
The consequences of living with such intense water stress are dire, jeopardizing lives, livelihoods, and even global climate goals. Water is pivotal for agriculture, energy production, health, and societal equity. Failing to manage this resource effectively could worsen the impact of population growth, economic development, and climate change.
The Aqueduct analysis paints a grim picture for the global economy as well. By 2050, a significant portion – 31% – of the global GDP (equivalent to $70 trillion) will be exposed to high water stress, up from 24% ($15 trillion) in 2010. Intriguingly, four countries – India, Mexico, Egypt, and Turkey – are projected to account for over half of this exposed GDP.
A critical aspect of this crisis is its impact on food production. With 60% of the world’s irrigated agriculture facing extreme water stress, essential crops like sugarcane, wheat, rice, and maize are under threat. To feed the projected global population of 10 billion by 2050, 56% more food calories must be produced compared to 2010.
Real-world examples demonstrate that interventions can mitigate water stress. Remarkably, Singapore and Las Vegas have thrived in water-scarce conditions through strategies such as desalination, wastewater treatment, and reuse.
The key to resolving this crisis lies in political will. The report emphasizes that introducing water-efficient practices and reducing water stress requires substantial commitment from governments and authorities.
The 25 countries on the brink of a water crisis are Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Botswana, Iran, Jordan, Chile, San Marino, Belgium, Greece, Tunisia, Namibia, South Africa, Iraq, India, and Syria. This crisis is a stark reminder of the urgent need for global cooperation to safeguard this essential resource for generations to come.
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