Global Water Scarcity: 25 Countries Face Extremely High Water Stress, And It's Getting Worse

According to the report, 25 nations, comprising a quarter of the world's population, encounter severe water stress annually.

Water scarcity is a worldwide concern that is currently impacting numerous regions across the globe. The combination of factors such as population growth, urbanisation, industrialization, climate change, and inefficient water management practices has contributed to the widespread problem of water scarcity. The consequences of water scarcity can be significant and far-reaching, impacting various aspects of society and the environment.

According to the latest data from the World Resources Institute's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas, the global community is confronting an unparalleled water emergency, with 25 nations, equivalent to a quarter of the world's population, currently grappling with exceptionally elevated levels of annual water stress. On a global scale, approximately 4 billion individuals, constituting half of the world's population, encounter water stress for at least one month annually. This figure might escalate to nearly 60% by the year 2050.

$70 trillion in GDP (31% of global GDP) will be exposed to high water stress by 2050, up from $15 trillion (24% of global GDP) in 2010. Just 4 countries-India, Mexico, Egypt, and Turkey-will account for over half of the exposed GDP in 2050, As per the report, which is released every four years.