“Global Water Crisis Threatens Over Half of World’s Food Production in Next 25 Years: Report”

A new report from the Global Commission on the Economics of Water has issued a dire warning about the state of the world’s food production. The report highlights that more than half of global food production is at risk of collapsing within the next 25 years due to a growing global water crisis.

The report points to a combination of factors including climate change, destructive land use practices, and mismanagement of water resources as contributing to the unprecedented stress on water systems. Nearly 3 billion people worldwide are currently living in areas facing severe water scarcity, with over half of global food production at risk.

If this trend is not reversed, the consequences could be catastrophic for both humanity and the environment. Already, several cities are experiencing sinking due to a loss of groundwater, and the report predicts that up to 8% of the global GDP and 15% of the GDP of lower-income countries could be lost by 2050.

Johan Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and co-chair of the commission, emphasized the urgent need to address the water crisis. He stated that as water scarcity increases, food security and human development are at risk, and action must be taken to prevent further damage.

The report also highlights the discrepancy between current estimates of water needs and the actual requirements for a dignified life. While governments often rely on estimates of 13 to 26 gallons of water per person per day, the report suggests that the real number for adequate consumption is closer to 1,055 gallons per person per day.

One of the key recommendations of the report is to shift focus from “blue water” sources like rivers and lakes to also consider the importance of “green water” contained in soil and plants. This green water plays a vital role in the global water cycle and is essential for sustaining agriculture and ecosystems.

To address the water crisis, the report suggests implementing proper pricing and subsidies for water, promoting plant-based diets, restoring natural habitats, and increasing the recycling of wastewater. By valuing water properly and implementing these solutions, the researchers believe that water can be distributed more efficiently and equitably.

The Global Commission on the Economics of Water was established in 2022 by the Netherlands and brings together experts in science and economics to assess the current crisis and propose solutions for policymakers. The report serves as a wake-up call to the world about the urgent need to address the growing water crisis before it’s too late.