A new report has warned that almost half of the world would be plunged into severe water stress by 2030, if countries and their governments do not alter current levels of demand for the precious commodity and ongoing pollution of rivers, seas and oceans.
The International Resource Panel (IRP) says in the report it released yesterday during the World Water Day (WWD) further warns that, almost half of the world’s population will suffer severe water stress in the next 15 years if interventions to reduce consumption and pollution are not stopped.
Under the current trends, IRP says, demand for water will exceed supply by 40 per cent in 2030, forcing governments to spend $200 billion (Sh20 trillion) per year on upstream water supply as demand outstrips cheaper forms of supply—up from historic averages of $40 (Sh4 trillion) to $45 billion (Sh5 trillion).
Current situation
The report predicts damage for the well-being of millions of people if the current situation cannot be corrected quickly. The report, entitled: Policy Options for Decoupling Economic Growth from Water Use and Water Pollution, reveals that as the global population rises, increased urbanisation, climate change and a shift in how food is consumed are likely to dramatically increase future demand for water.
If the world is to stave off the looming crisis, then efforts to decouple water use from economic growth will need to be strengthened, says the report.
The post Report warns of severe global water shortage appeared first on Mediamax Network Limited.