About 66% of the planet’s population, or 4 billion people, lives at least one month per year with water scarcity, according to one of the most detailed water scarcity reports till date.
Previous studies have estimated this figure to be somewhere between 1.7 billion and 3.1 billion, but it was too broad for an accurate depiction of the problem, the study claims. Earlier assessments looked at annual averages and did not account for ecosystem needs.
This study from researchers at the University of Twente, Netherlands used monthly averages of water availability, analyzed water supply and consumption and apportioned water to maintain ecosystem health.
The researchers defined water scarcity as consuming more fresh groundwater and surface water than is available, after subtracting upstream use and water required for ecosystems. Under these conditions, many more people than previously thought live with water scarcity, at least, one month per year.
According to the report, severe water scarcity happens when consumption is twice as high as available resources. Consequently, half of those suffering from water scarcity are in the world’s two most populous countries – India and China – where demand is high.
Saudi Arabia and Yemen are in the worst situation. These are two countries in which the entire population is classified as having year-round water scarcity.
Despite the dark facts, the study also recommends ways to reduce scarcity. Increasing reliance on rain-fed rather than irrigated agriculture, improving the efficiency of water usage and sharing what’s available, were some of the options given in the report.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)