2 billion people threatened by global water crisis
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Approximately 2 billion people in the world live in regions of extremely high water stress, a measure of the level of competition over water resources, a new report has revealed.

World Resources Institute (WRI) experts are warning that increased water stress could lead to more “day zeroes” – a term that gained popularity in 2018 as Cape Town in South Africa came dangerously close to running out of water.

The report further said Qatar, Israel and Lebanon were ranked as the most water-stressed countries in the world, with Badghis in Afghanistan and Gaborone and Jwaneng in Botswana the world’s most water-stressed regions.

WRI said the data reveals a global water crisis that will require better information, planning and water management.

“Water matters,” said Betsy Otto, global director for water at WRI. “We’re currently facing a global water crisis. Our populations and economies are growing and demanding more water. But our supply is threatened by climate change, water waste and pollution.”

The global research organisation compared the water available to the amount withdrawn for homes, industries, irrigation and livestock.

In the 17 countries facing extremely high water stress, agriculture, industry, and municipalities were found to be using up to 80% of available surface and groundwater in an average year.

When demand rivals supply, even small dry spells, which are set to increase because of the climate crisis, can produce dire consequences.

Twelve of the 17 high-risk countries were in the Middle East and North Africa.

World Resources Institute has urged for better information, planning and water management to tackle the global water crisis.

World Resources Institute has urged for better information, planning and water management to tackle the global water crisis.