Global Water Scarcity to Intensify by End of the Century, Study Finds
A recent study highlights a significant increase in global water scarcity by the end of the 21st century, driven by a combination of declining water quality and insufficient water quantity. The research projects a 28% rise in inhabited areas affected by water gaps compared to the 2005–2020 period. Regions such as South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and eastern Pacific Asia are expected to face the most severe impacts. The study identifies the manufacturing sector as particularly vulnerable, with a 24% increase in areas affected by water quality deterioration. Agricultural regions, including the Great Plains in the U.S., Spain, and the Yangtze basin in China, are also projected to experience water shortages due to rising food demands. The findings emphasize the growing challenge of balancing water availability and quality under global change scenarios. 
