Urgent Action Needed to Address Global Water Crisis, Experts Warn

 

A new report from the Global Commission on the Economics of Water highlights an alarming trend: more than half of the world’s food production could face serious risks due to an escalating water crisis over the next 25 years. The report underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts and the protection of ecosystems that support freshwater resources.

As climate change intensifies, half of the global population is already experiencing water scarcity, a situation that is expected to worsen. The report projects that by the end of the decade, demand for freshwater will exceed supply by 40%, putting unprecedented stress on water systems worldwide.

Experts in the commission revealed that the water needs for a decent standard of living have been vastly underestimated. While most people believe that daily water requirements range from 50 to 100 liters for health and hygiene, a more accurate figure is about 4,000 liters daily to ensure adequate nutrition and a dignified life. Unfortunately, many regions are unable to meet this requirement locally, making them reliant on trade for food and other essential goods.

The report also differentiates between "green water," which refers to moisture in the soil crucial for food production, and "blue water," sourced from rivers and lakes. It emphasizes the importance of "atmospheric rivers," which transport moisture globally. Countries such as China and Russia significantly benefit from these systems, while India and Brazil are major exporters of green water.

Prof. Johan Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and a co-chair of the commission, pointed out the interconnectedness of global water resources. He noted that the Chinese economy relies on sustainable forest management practices in countries like Ukraine and Kazakhstan, highlighting the necessity of viewing freshwater as a global common good.

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, president of Singapore and co-chair of the commission, called for international cooperation in managing water resources. He stressed the need for innovative strategies to preserve freshwater sources, utilize them efficiently, and ensure access for vulnerable communities to promote equity.

The Global Commission on the Economics of Water, established by the Netherlands in 2022, produced a comprehensive 194-page report analyzing the state of global water systems. It presents stark findings about the detrimental impact of climate change on water availability. Prof. Rockström emphasized that water is the first casualty of the climate crisis, leading to significant environmental changes that threaten the stability of Earth's systems.

The report notes that every 1°C rise in global temperatures increases atmospheric moisture by 7%, intensifying the hydrological cycle. Additionally, deforestation and wetland drainage disrupt the natural processes that regulate water storage and distribution.

The commission also identified harmful subsidies as a key issue. With over $700 billion allocated annually to agriculture, many subsidies promote inefficient water use and encourage wasteful practices. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organization and co-chair of the commission, advocated for better-targeted subsidies that prioritize the needs of the poor while eliminating those that benefit wealthier individuals and industries.

To address these challenges, the report emphasizes the importance of coupling water pricing with appropriate subsidies and ensuring developing countries have access to the financial resources necessary to improve their water systems and environmental conservation efforts.