The recent release of the UN World Water Development Report 2024 casts a significant light on the escalating global water crisis and its interplay with global security.
The findings are sobering:
Number of international tensions and conflicts are being fuelled by disputes over water resources. The report underlines the urgent need for increased international cooperation of wide agreements to mitigate these tensions and preserve peace.
The water crisis remains a terrible issue with 2.2 billion people worldwide lacking access to safely managed drinking water.
3.5 billion people without safely managed sanitation facilities. This tough reality underscores the enormity of the challenge facing the global community in meeting the UN 2030 objective of universal access to clean water.
The persistent inequalities in water access are a growing concern. They may continue to escalate if definite action is not taken.
The impact of water scarcity extends far beyond the immediate lack of resources.
The report documents between 2002 and 2021, droughts afflicted over 1.4 billion people. In 2022, around half of the global population experienced heavy water shortage at some point. During the year, with a quarter suffering from “extremely high” levels of water stress, consume over 80% of their annual renewable freshwater sources. This crisis gets worse by climate change, which is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of droughts and other water-related challenges.
The consequences of water scarcity are profound and far-reaching.
It leads to a deterioration of living conditions, escalating food insecurity and heightened health risks.
Social development, particularly among women is severely impacted due to the lack of water security. Furthermore, water scarcity is being identified as a significant driver of migration.
In light of these challenges, the report highlights the critical importance of cooperation in transboundary water management. Regular dialogue coupled with the establishment of necessary legal frameworks among parties sharing water resources. It can significantly reduce disputes related to water. By fostering a spirit of collaboration, there is a strong potential for resolving water-related disputes and preventing them from escalating into broader conflicts.
In conclusion, the 2024 World Water Development Report underscores the intricate link between water scarcity, social instability and international security. It calls for a united global effort towards sustainable water management. Underscoring the necessity for international cooperation to ensure peace and security in an increasingly thirsty world.
