More than half of the world’s food production faces the risk of failure within the next 25 years due to an accelerating water crisis, unless immediate efforts are made to conserve water and protect vital ecosystems, according to experts in a significant review. Currently, half the global population contends with water scarcity, a figure expected to increase as climate change progresses, as highlighted in a report by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water released on Thursday.
By the end of this decade, the demand for fresh water is projected to exceed supply by 40%, resulting from "unprecedented stress" on water systems. The commission indicates that governments and experts have significantly underestimated the amount of water necessary for a decent standard of living. While 50 to 100 liters a day are deemed essential for health and hygiene, approximately 4,000 liters per person daily are needed to secure adequate nutrition and a dignified lifestyle. Most regions cannot locally meet this demand, necessitating reliance on trade for essential goods.
Certain countries benefit more from “green water,” which is soil moisture essential for agriculture, compared to “blue water” derived from rivers and lakes. The report illustrates that moisture travels across the globe in “atmospheric rivers” that move water from one area to another. Approximately half of the world’s freshwater rainfall originates from thriving vegetation that releases water back into the atmosphere, generating clouds. Notably, China and Russia are prime beneficiaries of these systems, while India and Brazil serve as major exporters of green water.
Prof. Johan Rockström of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and co-chair of the commission noted the global interconnectedness of water resources, stressing the importance of recognizing fresh water as a common global asset. He emphasized that sustainable forest management in countries like Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and the Baltic region is crucial for the Chinese economy, and Brazil plays a significant role in supplying fresh water to Argentina.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Singapore’s president and co-chair of the commission, urged nations to collaborate on water resource management before it’s too late. He called for radical thinking on preserving fresh water sources, enhancing efficiency in usage, and ensuring access for all communities, particularly vulnerable populations.
The Global Commission on the Economics of Water, established by the Netherlands in 2022, conducted a comprehensive review of global hydrological systems and their management through the contributions of numerous scientists and economists. Its extensive 194-page report is the most thorough global study addressing the water crisis and recommending actions for policymakers.
Rockström remarked on the stark findings: “Water is victim number one of the climate crisis,” with environmental changes threatening the stability of Earth’s systems. He pointed out that extreme weather events manifest first through droughts and floods, illustrating that global warming exacerbates moisture issues, impacting landscapes and increasing fire risks.
The report highlights that each 1°C rise in global temperatures introduces an additional 7% moisture into the atmosphere, amplifying the hydrological cycle’s severity beyond natural variations. Additionally, the destruction of natural habitats through deforestation and wetland draining disrupts the crucial water cycle dependent on tree transpiration.
Experts also identified harmful subsidies distorting global water systems, with over $700 billion in annual subsidies directed toward agriculture, many of which promote excessive water use. Furthermore, industries widely misuse water, with roughly 80% of wastewater not being recycled.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the World Trade Organization’s director-general and commission co-chair, advocated for redirecting subsidies to ensure equitable resource distribution without disadvantaging the poor. She emphasized the need for better-targeted subsidies to support those in genuine need.
Developing countries require financial access to modernize their water systems and safeguard natural environments. Mariana Mazzucato, a professor at University College London and another co-chair, stated that loans to these nations should hinge on water reform commitments.
Water issues disproportionately impact women and girls, as noted by Mazzucato, linking water collection burdens to child mortality and gender parity.
Key Takeaways from the Report:
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Global Water Crisis: Over 2 billion people lack safe drinking water, and 3.6 billion lack access to safe sanitation. Everyday, 1,000 children die from unsafe water. By 2030, fresh water demand will exceed supply by 40%. Without intervention, water-related challenges threaten to reduce global GDP by 8% by 2050, with poorer nations facing 15% losses.
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Lack of Coordinated Action: Despite the interconnected nature of water systems worldwide, there is no comprehensive global governance. The UN has hosted only one water conference in the last 50 years.
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Climate Crisis Impact: The climate emergency is dramatically affecting global water systems, causing severe disruptions in regions already susceptible to droughts and floods.
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Water Inequities: While subsidies benefit agriculture and industries, they lead to distorted water usage, leaving the poor to pay excessively for inadequate water access. Reforming water pricing and eliminating harmful subsidies is essential.
- Water as a Common Good: Water must be recognized as a crucial global resource that requires collective protection. A new perspective is needed to view it not as an endlessly available resource, but as a shared asset with a collaborative approach towards sustainable management and financing for developing nations’ ecosystem preservation.
