The UN opened the first water security conference in half a century

A global water crisis is looming over humanity, which could “spin out of control” due to increased water consumption and the climate crisis.

In the near future, humanity may face a global problem of drinking water shortage. This was stated on Wednesday, March 22, in a UN report timed to coincide with the Conference on Water Resources in New York, Reuters reports.

The document says that people have started consuming more water and this number is increasing every year.

“Over the past 40 years, world water consumption has been growing at 1% per year, linked to world population growth and changing consumption patterns,” the document said.

Analysts predict that by 2050, about 2.4 billion people will experience water shortages in cities, twice as many as a few years ago. At the same time, the cities’ need for water by the middle of the century will grow by 80%.

At the same time, agriculture remains the main consumer of water, accounting for 70% of world consumption.

“Governments need plans that can provide equitable access to water for all people who need it while protecting this precious resource. A quarter of the world’s population relies on unsafe drinking water , and half do not have basic sanitation for life,” said the general secretary. UN Antonio Guterres.

Speaking of the most vulnerable countries, the UN believes that the first water crisis will be felt in the Middle East and Africa, where water supplies are already in short supply. Water shortages are also possible in Central Africa, East Asia and South America.

Note that restrictions on water consumption will be introduced in French regions, where necessary, due to the threat of a record drought.

Earlier, scientists said Europe was on the brink of a catastrophic drought. According to them, groundwater reserves are being depleted. Venice’s canals have reportedly dried up due to low tide and lack of rain.

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