Data discloses water deficit’s deadly strike

Impacts on people: According to the World Health Organization, 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and 4.2 billion people lack access to safely managed sanitation services.

Water scarcity can lead to waterborne diseases, which are responsible for 2.2 million deaths per year, primarily in developing countries.

Women and children spend an estimated 200 million hours per day collecting water, which can limit their access to education and economic opportunities.

Impacts on the economy: The World Bank estimates that water scarcity could cost some regions up to 6% of their GDP by 2050. In California, a severe drought in 2015 led to an estimated $2.7 billion in economic losses, primarily in the agriculture and food processing sectors. Water scarcity can impact energy production, with power plants in the US, India, and other countries facing shutdowns due to lack of water for cooling.

Impacts on industry: According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, water scarcity is a top risk for many industries, including food and beverage, chemicals, and mining.

In India, the textile industry is the second largest consumer of water after agriculture, and water scarcity is a major challenge for the industry. The food processing industry is also vulnerable to water scarcity, with droughts and water shortages leading to production disruptions and higher costs for water.

Impacts on farming: Agriculture accounts for around 70% of global freshwater withdrawals, and water scarcity can lead to reduced crop yields and food insecurity. The United Nations estimates that by 2050, global water demand for agriculture could increase by 20-30%, while water availability could decrease by up to 30%. In the Middle East and North Africa region, water scarcity has led to declining crop yields, with some areas experiencing losses of up to 60%.

This is just a bird’s eye view of the effect of water scarcity on various sectors. It is imperative that we address the deteriorating condition through sustainable water management practices. Having recognised the enormity and severity of the threatening situation, many countries and organisations are using a combination of technological innovation and ancient wisdom in the campaign against water shortage.