Daily Current Affairs : 19-August-2023
The Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas, recently released by the World Resources Institute (WRI), highlights critical insights into the escalating global issue of water stress.
Understanding the World Resources Institute (WRI)
Founded in 1982, the World Resources Institute is a non-profit organization with a global reach. Its mission is to satisfy essential human needs, preserve nature, stabilize the climate, and build resilient communities through research-based strategies. WRI envisions a better future by transforming food production, energy use, and urban design.
Exploring Water Stress and the Aqueduct Atlas
Water stress, a pressing concern, is determined by the ratio of water demand to renewable supply, indicating the competition for local water resources. The Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas, a tool by WRI, aids companies, governments, investors, and users in comprehending emerging global water risks and opportunities.
Understanding Water Stress Levels
Water-stressed countries, grappling with high water demand, fall into two categories: those with “extreme water stress” (using over 80% of available supply) and those with “high water stress” (withdrawing 40% of supply). Shockingly, a quarter of the world’s population—housed in 25 countries—is plagued by extreme water stress. These nations are always at risk of running out of water, even with short-term droughts. Moreover, around 4 billion people, or half the global population, experience highly water-stressed conditions for at least one month each year.
Identifying the Most Water-Stressed Countries
The five most water-stressed countries, including Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, and Qatar, face severe challenges due to their limited water resources. The Middle East and North Africa region bears the brunt of water stress, with 83% of its population exposed to extreme stress. Similarly, South Asia’s population contends with significant water stress, affecting 74% of its inhabitants.
Causes of Global Water Stress
Growing water demand is a universal issue, with global demand more than doubling since 1960. Factors driving this demand include expanding populations and industries like agriculture, livestock, energy production, and manufacturing. Simultaneously, insufficient investment in water infrastructure, unsustainable water policies, and climate change-induced variability contribute to dwindling water supplies.
Impending Concerns and Projections
By 2050, a staggering 1 billion more people are predicted to face extreme water stress, irrespective of efforts to limit global temperature rise. Global water demand is set to surge by 20% to 25% by 2050, casting a grim shadow over regions like the Middle East and North Africa, where the entire population could experience extreme water stress. Sub-Saharan Africa will witness the most significant surge in water demand, soaring by 163%—four times the rate of Latin America’s change. Worryingly, Aqueduct data suggests that 31% of global GDP could be exposed to high water stress by 2050.
Implications and Solutions
Water shortages could trigger industrial disruptions, energy outages, and agricultural losses, impacting economies significantly. Failing to adopt effective water management policies might lead to substantial GDP losses in several countries.
However, solutions exist:
- Inspiring Examples: Some regions, such as Singapore and Las Vegas, show that societies can flourish even with limited water resources. Techniques like desalination, wastewater treatment, and grass removal can ensure water-scarce conditions don’t lead to crises.
- Policy Initiatives: Countries can improve water governance, encourage water-efficient agriculture, adopt integrated water resource management, and enhance water infrastructure through nature-based solutions and green infrastructure.
- Strategic Debt Relief Programs: International lenders could offer debt relief for investments in biodiversity and resilient infrastructure. These nature-based solutions can drive positive climate and water outcomes in countries unable to afford advanced water management.
- Urban Resilience Plans: Cities should develop urban water resilience action plans, following the lead of African cities piloting such strategies.
- Efficient Farming: Farmers can implement more efficient water practices, such as switching to water-efficient crops and using technologies like sprinklers or drip irrigation.
- Corporate Responsibility: Companies should establish science-based water targets to align with Earth’s limits and societal needs, reducing water-related risks.
Important Points:
- The Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas, released by the World Resources Institute (WRI), sheds light on the escalating issue of global water stress.
- WRI is a non-profit organization founded in 1982, focusing on meeting essential needs, preserving nature, stabilizing the climate, and building resilient communities.
- Water stress is the ratio of water demand to renewable supply, indicating competition for local water resources.
- The Aqueduct Atlas aids companies, governments, investors, and users in understanding emerging global water risks and opportunities.
- 25 countries, housing a quarter of the global population, face extreme water stress, putting them at risk of water scarcity during short-term droughts.
- Around 4 billion people, or half the global population, experience highly water-stressed conditions for at least one month annually.
- Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, and Qatar are the most water-stressed countries, facing severe challenges due to limited water resources.
- The Middle East and North Africa region bears 83% exposure to extreme water stress, while South Asia affects 74% of its inhabitants.
- Globally, water demand has more than doubled since 1960, driven by growing populations and industries like agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.
- Insufficient investment in water infrastructure, unsustainable policies, and climate change contribute to dwindling water supplies.
- By 2050, an additional 1 billion people are projected to face extreme water stress, regardless of efforts to limit temperature rise.
- Global water demand is set to surge by 20% to 25% by 2050, with regions like the Middle East and North Africa facing the most dire consequences.
- Sub-Saharan Africa will witness a 163% surge in water demand by 2050, compared to Latin America’s rate of change.
- Aqueduct data suggests 31% of global GDP could be exposed to high water stress by 2050.
- Solutions include adopting techniques like desalination, wastewater treatment, and grass removal to thrive under limited water resources.
- Policy initiatives involve improving water governance, encouraging water-efficient agriculture, and enhancing water infrastructure through nature-based solutions.
- Strategic debt relief programs could aid investments in biodiversity and resilient infrastructure, driving positive climate and water outcomes.
- Cities should develop urban water resilience action plans, following the lead of African cities.
- Farmers can implement efficient water practices, such as switching to water-efficient crops and using advanced irrigation methods.
- Companies should establish science-based water targets to reduce water-related risks and align with Earth’s limits.
Why In News
The latest findings from the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas, a project by the World Resources Institute (WRI), have just been unveiled. This comprehensive dataset sheds light on global water resource vulnerabilities. It serves as a critical tool for policymakers, businesses, and environmentalists to make informed decisions about water management and conservation efforts worldwide.
MCQs about Addressing Global Water Stress
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What is the primary mission of the World Resources Institute (WRI)?
A. To promote renewable energy sources globally.
B. To meet people’s essential needs and protect nature.
C. To design sustainable cities for the future.
D. To develop advanced desalination technologies.
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How is “water stress” defined ?
A. The ratio of water demand to renewable supply.
B. The amount of rainfall in a given region.
C. The temperature increase caused by climate change.
D. The number of water-related disasters in a country.
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Which region has the highest percentage of its population exposed to extreme water stress?
A. Europe
B. South America
C. Middle East and North Africa
D. Southeast Asia
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