This summer’s torrential rains over part of France are just an illusion, because humanity is really suffering from a water shortage.
These are the alarming findings of the World Resources Institute. In its latest update of the “Aqueduct” report on access to water worldwide, this American think-tank warns of extremely high water stress in 25 countries around the world – the highest alert level – and every year thereafter. A quarter of the world’s population is already affected. And the situation is set to worsen. By 2050, a further 1 billion people will face a heightened risk of water scarcity, even if temperature rises remain between 1.3°C and 2.4°C.
An optimistic scenario in itself. At the same time, demand for water is set to increase by 20-25%. “Without intervention – such as investment in water infrastructure and better water governance – water stress will continue to worsen, particularly in regions with rapidly growing populations and economies,” warns the think tank. The promise of access to drinking water for all by 2030 is under serious threat. For 4 billion people – half the world’s population – the situation is less precarious, but still dangerous. For at least one month a year, they face a situation of high water stress. In other words, their country is already using 40% of its water resources.
“The world is facing an unprecedented water crisis, exacerbated by climate change,” warns the World Resources Institute bluntly. “Living with this level of water stress puts people’s lives, jobs, food and energy security at risk,” the report adds. The Middle East and North Africa are among the hardest-hit regions, with 83% of the population exposed to very high water stress. By 2050, 100% of the population is expected to be affected. South Asia is not spared either, with a total of 74% of its population affected. Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman and Qatar are the countries most at risk.
They already use at least 80% of their available water resources every year. “Even a short-lived drought exposes them to the risk of running out of water”, warns the report. In Europe, Greece and Belgium are concerned. The same applies to the economy. According to the WRI, 31% of the world’s GDP, or $70,000 billion, is at risk. India, Mexico, Egypt and Turkey alone account for more than half of the GDP at risk in 2050. In France, the situation is not yet as critical, but it is prudent to remain vigilant. At the end of July, a report by the Cour des Comptes (French National Audit Office) called for a reduction in water consumption at national level. The country’s water resources are already affected, and “the situation will only get worse in the decades to come”, warn the experts.
Reflections based on the article by Martine Valo, Le Monde
