Global Water Crisis Threatens Half of World’s Food Production
A new report warns that without urgent action, water scarcity could drastically impact global food security and economic stability by 2050.
- The Global Commission on the Economics of Water reports that demand for water will exceed supply by 40% by the end of the decade.
- More than half of global food production is at risk due to unstable water availability, exacerbated by climate change and poor water management.
- The report highlights the need for better management of 'green water,' the moisture in soils and vegetation critical for rainfall and biodiversity.
- Critics question the report's methodology, noting some assumptions about future irrigation and water resource management may be unrealistic.
- The economic impact of the water crisis could reduce global GDP by up to 8%, with developing countries facing potentially greater losses.