Water Scarcity Looms as Population, Temperature Rise
flickr/Ashine
Water scarcity is
increasing in many regions as factors including
population growth, climate change, and pollution
restrict the amount of water available relative to
demand. In 2008, 1.4 billion people lived in "closed
basins"--regions where existing water cannot meet the
agricultural, municipal, and environmental needs for
all. This number is expected to grow to 1.8 billion by
2025.
According to the latest Vital Signs analysis on
organic agriculture:
- Population growth is a
major driver of water scarcity at the regional and
global levels. Urbanization and rising incomes--two
trends prominent in rapidly developing countries
such as China, India, and Brazil--also contribute to
increased domestic and industrial demand for water.
- Several major rivers,
including the Indus, Rio Grande, Colorado,
Murray-Darling, and Yellow, no longer reach the sea
year-round as a growing share of their waters are
claimed for various uses.
- Diets heavy in livestock
are water intensive because of the huge quantities
of water required for livestock production.
Similarly, fossil fuel production requires many
times more water than renewable energy sources do.
This new water scarcity update includes the latest
figures on water consumption by energy type and water
dependence of selected countries.
Read the Vital Signs analysis,
"Water Scarcity Looms"
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