lack of moisture
Water scarcity has affected every continent. About1.2 billionPeople, nearly one-fifth of the world's population, live in areas of material deprivation and 500 million people are affected by this condition. Another 1.6 billion people, or nearly a quarter of the world's population, suffer from economic water stress (countries lacking the infrastructure to pump water from rivers and aquifers).
Water scarcity is one of the major issues facing many societies and the world in the 21st century. Water use has grown at more than twice the rate of population growth over the last century, and while there is no global water scarcity problem, chronic water scarcity is common in an increasing number of regions.
Water scarcity is both a natural and man-made phenomenon. There is enough freshwater on Earth for 7 billion people, but it is unevenly distributed and too much is wasted, polluted and unsustainably managed.
source:
- 2006 Human Development Report. United Nations Development Programme, 2006
- Deal with water shortages. 21st century challenges. UN-Water, FAO, 2007
Water scarcity and the Millennium Development Goals
How water scarcity is addressed affects the success of most MDGs:
- Millennium Development Goal 1: Access to water for household and productive purposes (agriculture, industry and other economic activities) has a direct impact on poverty and food security.
- Millennium Development Goal 2: The occurrence of catastrophic but oft-repeated events, such as drought, undermines educational success.
- Millennium Development Goal 3: Access to water, especially where the resource is scarce, has important gender implications, affecting women's social and economic capital in terms of leadership skills, earning potential, and social opportunities.
- Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5: Equitable, reliable water management programs can reduce the vulnerability of the poor to shocks, which in turn provides them with safer and more fertile livelihoods that they can use to care for their children.
- Millennium Development Goal 6: Access to water and improved water and sanitation management in human settlements can reduce the risk of transmission of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue.
- Millennium Development Goal 7: Proper wastewater treatment helps reduce pressure on freshwater resources and helps protect human and environmental health.
- Millennium Development Goal 8: Water scarcity increasingly requires enhanced international technical cooperation to increase water productivity, access to financing and improved environment to share the benefits of managing scarce water resources.
Water shortage and water shortage
Hydrologists typically use the population-water equation to assess scarcity. An area is considered a water-scarce area when the per capita annual water supply is less than 1,700 cubic meters. When the per capita annual water supply is less than 1,000 cubic meters, the population is facing water shortage, and when it is less than 500 cubic meters, it is "absolute water shortage".
Those ones:World Water Development Report 4. World Water Assessment Program (WWAP), March 2012.
Water scarcity refers to the overall impact of all users on water supply or water quality under existing institutional arrangements so severe that the needs of all sectors, including the environment, cannot be adequately met. Water scarcity is a relative concept and can occur at any level of supply and demand. Scarcity may be a social construction (a product of wealth, expectations and habits) or the result of changes in supply patterns – for example due to climate change.
did you know?
- one700 millionToday, people in 43 countries suffer from water scarcity.
- BIS 20251.8 billionPeople will live in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world's population may live in a state of water scarcity.
- almost the same as existing climate change scenarioshalf of the world's populationBetween 7.5 and 250 million people will be living in areas of severe water scarcity by 2030, including in Africa. In addition, water shortages in some arid and semi-arid regions will result in the displacement of 2.4 to 700 million people.
- sub-saharan africaHas the most water-stressed countries of any region.
A UN initiative to help tackle the...
- World Water Day 2007: Tackling water scarcity
The theme of World Water Day 2007 is "Coping with Water Scarcity". It highlights the growing concern about water scarcity worldwide and the need for greater integration and cooperation to ensure sustainable, efficient and equitable management of scarce water resources at the international and local levels. - World Day to Combat Desertification 2013
The theme of World Day to Combat Desertification in 2013 is drought and water scarcity. This year's slogan is 'Don't Let Our Future Dry', a call to everyone to act to strengthen preparedness and resilience to water scarcity, desertification and drought. The message of the slogan is that we have a responsibility for the conservation and sustainable use of our land and water resources and that there are solutions to these serious natural resource challenges.
learn more
Desertification, the invisible front
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). January 2014
The publication identifies desertification as a cause of global conflict and instability and calls for urgent action to support communities in crisis. It explores the impact of desertification on the lives of many people under the following headings: Food security - driving ourselves to extinction; Water (in)security - lack of water fuels conflict; Climate - Changing the face of the planet is changing people; Migration - — fight or flight; national security — collapse; inaction, a recipe for international political and economic chaos; securitization of productive land — ensuring peace and stability; investing in massive recovery programs; drought management measures; institutional reform; and Climaxing in 'Action Now', a summary of what we can do now to ensure drought risk is managed in the future.
Deal with water shortages. Framework for Action on Agriculture and Food Security
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). August 2012
This report focuses on the importance of drylands on the global agenda and its relationship to other issues, including climate change, food security and human settlements. The report sets out the various ways in which the United Nations system has identified the mainstreaming of the drylands agenda into decision-making processes. It sets a shared vision and agenda for UN-wide action on drylands management and its role in addressing climate change and food security through an active development and investment approach. The report is intended for a broad audience with specific objectives: (1) UN agencies themselves, demonstrating commitment to drylands and serving as a reference guide; (2) developed and developing country governments as a normative guide to UN positions and commitments to drylands development; (3) the private sector and donors, to encourage and inspire them to think about the viability and unique opportunities of drylands, and (4) civil society, to promote advocacy for drylands development and people's empowerment.
Drylands around the world: a United Nations system-wide response
United Nations Environment Management Group. October 2011
This report focuses on the importance of drylands on the global agenda and its relationship to other issues, including climate change, food security and human settlements. The report sets out the various ways in which the United Nations system has identified the mainstreaming of the drylands agenda into decision-making processes. It sets a shared vision and agenda for UN-wide action on drylands management and its role in addressing climate change and food security through an active development and investment approach. The report is intended for a broad audience with specific objectives: (1) UN agencies themselves, demonstrating commitment to drylands and serving as a reference guide; (2) developed and developing country governments as a normative guide to UN positions and commitments to drylands development; (3) the private sector and donors, to encourage and inspire them to think about the viability and unique opportunities of drylands, and (4) civil society, to promote advocacy for drylands development and people's empowerment.
(The) Abundance of Waste: The Economics of Agricultural Wastewater Use[
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Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). September 2010
The use of treated water in agriculture is an option that is increasingly being explored and implemented in areas of water scarcity, growing urban populations and increasing water demand for irrigation. This report presents an economic framework for assessing the use of recycled water in agriculture as part of an integrated planning process for water allocation strategies to ensure more cost-effective and sustainable water use. The presented case material provides a good field test for the proposed method.
water scarcity and desertification[- 528 KB]
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). 2009
This document presents the main challenges and threats of water scarcity faced by people living in drylands, and the role of the UNCCD in the sustainable management of land and water resources.
drought, desertification and water scarcity[- 2,04MB]
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR). 2007
This paper reviews the literature on drought, desertification and water scarcity.
Deal with water shortages. 21st century challenges[- 458 KB]
United Nations Water, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 2007
This document commemorates World Water Day 2007 to address water scarcity. It describes the multiple dimensions of water scarcity and how it affects all social and economic sectors and threatens the sustainability of natural resources.
Deal with water shortages. Strategic issues and priorities for system-wide action[- 474 KB]
Un water. year 2006
UN-Water has identified addressing water scarcity as a strategic issue and priority requiring collective action. This note introduces the joint UN-Water Plan of Action (PoA) for the thematic initiative and describes its elements. It also provides various examples of how addressing water scarcity can affect the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
2006 Human Development Report. Chapter 4[- 1,59MB]
United Nations Development Program (UNDP). year 2006
Chapter 4 of the 2006 Human Development Report focuses on issues related to water scarcity, risk and vulnerability. This chapter discusses how perceptions of water security are now strongly influenced by perceptions of water scarcity, presenting different dimensions and scenarios of water scarcity.
The Water Scarcity Challenge: The Business Case for Financial Institutions[- 2,02MB]
United Nations Environment Program - Funding Initiative (UNEP-FI), SIWI. 2005
Based on a review of nearly 20 project and investment cases, mainly in Africa and Latin America, supplemented by interviews with practitioners from development and commercial finance institutions, the report concludes that there are business reasons for improving risk management tools . This is especially relevant to the risk of water scarcity. While each organization must address water issues in its own right, the business case for the financial sector is to recognize the potential risks associated with water scarcity and seek possible ways to mitigate them.
>> Get the latest publications on water scarcity at the UN Water and Sanitation Documentation Center
Water scarcity around the world
Africa
Take advantage of scarcity. Responsible for improving water management outcomes in the Middle East and North Africa
[- 428MB]
summarize[- 141 KB]
World Bank. 2007
The report addresses the political economy of water reform and highlights the importance of action beyond the sector. It analyzes the political economy factors driving water reform and shows how some of these factors are changing in the MENA region to create opportunities for water reform. The report discusses how the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly globalized economy are changing the dynamics of water governance, and how demographic changes in the region, such as rapid urbanization and higher levels of education, are affecting demand for water services.
Asia
Guidelines for sectoral water resource allocation in selected ESCWA member countries. Assessment of economic, social and drought-related impacts[- 589 KB]
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA). Year 2003
This study aims to provide a reference document for policy and decision-making processes related to water supply management in the ESCWA region and to provide an evaluation tool for the decisions already made regarding the allocation of water resources to different sectors. The beneficiaries will therefore be primarily politicians and policymakers involved in the day-to-day management of dwindling water resources in the ESCWA region. It is hoped that the research will be helpful to other professionals in the field and will educate the public on issues concerning sectoral water allocation and how optimal allocation can ensure sustainable, equitable and efficient use of the world's water regions.
FAQs
Why did the United Nations proclaimed the period 2005 2015 as the International Decade for Action on water for Life? ›
On 23 December 2003, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the period 2005-2015 “the International Decade for Action 'Water for Life'”. It was decided that the primary goal of the 'Water for Life' Decade was to promote efforts to fulfil international commitments made on water and water-related issues by 2015.
What is the aim of Decade for Action on water water for Life? ›Its primary goal is to promote efforts to fulfill international commitments made on water and water related issues .
How much of the world is affected by water scarcity now what about in 2025? ›Half of the global population could face water scarcity challenges by 2025, according to UNICEF. We don't have the luxury of time.
What was the main purpose of the United Nations and what was it meant to prevent? ›The main objectives of the United Nations are the maintenance of international peace and security, the promotion of the well-being of the peoples of the world, and international cooperation to these ends.
What was the main goal of the United Nations since it first began in the year 1945? ›The United Nations was established after World War II in an attempt to maintain international peace and security and to achieve cooperation among nations on economic, social, and humanitarian problems.
Why is the goal life below water important? ›SDG14: Life Below Water
Oceans are our planet's life support as they provide water, food and help regulate the weather. Oceans also provide jobs for more than 3 billion people who depend on marine biodiversity for their livelihood.
By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
What is the water action agenda? ›The ENB reports that the focus of the Conference was the Water Action Agenda, composed of voluntary commitments from UN Member States and stakeholders. By addressing a broad set of themes, these pledges aim to foster partnerships and cooperation towards “urgent, immediate, and accelerated action.”
Why is water scarcity a problem? ›Water scarcity limits access to safe water for drinking and for practising basic hygiene at home, in schools and in health-care facilities. When water is scarce, sewage systems can fail and the threat of contracting diseases like cholera surges. Scarce water also becomes more expensive.
What causes water scarcity? ›Major Causes of Water Scarcity
Climate change. Natural calamities such as droughts and floods. Increased human consumption. Overuse and wastage of water.
When did water scarcity become a problem? ›
1800s: Water shortages first appear in historical records. 1854: Dr John Snow discovers the link between water and the spread of cholera during an outbreak in London. 1900s: Since 1900, more than 11 billion people have died from drought, and drought has affected more than one billion people.
What did the United Nations declared 2015 as the International Year of? ›The UN General Assembly declared 2015 as the International Year of Soils, which aimed to create full awareness of civil society and decision makers about the fundamental roles of soils for human's life.
For what purpose was the new United Nations established as the war period came to a close and the Cold war began? ›"To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war" are among the first very words of the UN Charter (in its Preamble), and those words were the main motivation for creating the United Nations, whose founders had lived through the devastation of two world wars by 1945.
What did the UN declare in 2005? ›In the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document (A/RES/60/1) Member States noted the "Responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity".
What was the goal of the United Nations Why was this organization started? ›On October 24, 1945, this condition was fulfilled, and the United Nations came into existence. Four years of planning and the hope of many years had materialized in an international organization designed to end war and promote peace, justice and better living for all mankind.