Global Water Scarcity Poses Significant Threats to Public Health, Economies, and Trade
Global water scarcity is a complex and growing issue with far-reaching consequences for public health, economies, and international trade. The crisis extends beyond a simple lack of water, leading to a cascade of problems including waterborne diseases, lost income, disrupted education, and weakened health systems. In 2022, an estimated 2.2 billion people lacked access to safely managed drinking water services. The problem is exacerbated by climate change and increasing demand, which are depleting natural freshwater sources, leading to what is termed 'water bankruptcy.' Approximately half of the world's population experiences severe water scarcity for at least part of the year. This widespread scarcity is also identified as a material threat to global trade, with companies anticipating financial impacts of around US$397 billion due to water-related risks. The economic repercussions are not limited to water services; underinvestment in water security could result in economic losses equivalent to an average o...
