Experts warn that more than half of the world's food production could be affected by accelerating water shortages, unless we take urgent steps to conserve water resources and prevent the destruction of ecosystems that form the basis of our freshwater supply.
Half of the world's population already suffers from water shortages, which may be exacerbated by climate change. By the end of the decade, demand for fresh water may exceed supply by 40 percent, according to a report published Thursday by a global panel on water governance.
They found that the world's governments reduced the amount of water needed for a decent human life. 50-100 liters of water are needed per day to maintain health and hygiene, but for proper nutrition and a decent life, you can use up to 4000 liters per day. However, this amount is not available in many areas, so they need to trade to meet their needs The Guardian.
What is green water and who benefits from it?
Some countries use soil moisture instead of river and lake water, and the former is called green water. This type transports water from one place to another in the atmosphere. About half of the world's precipitation comes from plants, which release water into the atmosphere.
China and Russia are the largest beneficiaries of green water, while India and Brazil produce most of it. Johan Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, says the Chinese economy relies heavily on Ukrainian, Kazakh and Baltic forests. The same can be said about Brazil, which supplies fresh water to Argentina.
According to the Singaporean president, countries must cooperate in managing water resources, and their conservation and more efficient use will be a major issue in the future.
Possible solution to water shortage
The Netherlands established the Global Commission on the Economics of Water in 2022, in which scientists and economists work on the state of hydrological systems and how to manage them. Their report addresses all aspects of water shortages and offers solutions to politicians.
The crisis manifests itself in the form of droughts and floods that have a serious impact on green water. A one-degree increase in temperature increases the moisture content of the atmosphere by an additional 7 percent. The destruction of nature also increases the crisis, as cutting down forests and depleting water disrupts the hydrological cycle.
Agricultural subsidies, which are also irrigated with a large amount of water, are also being abused. Not even 80% of wastewater is recycled. For this reason, politicians are also proposing more effective management methods, under which targeted subsidies are required and available to everyone. Developing countries must ensure that their water systems are replenished, use safe water supplies, and stop the destruction of the natural environment.
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