Nearly half of the world’s population faces water shortages. United Nations: Focus on more environmentally friendly policies
The United Nations today released its 2018 World Water Development Report, estimating that nearly half the world's population, 3.6 billion people, live in areas where they experience at least one month of water shortage annually. The report warns that this number could rise to 5.7 billion by 2050. UNESCO Secretary-General Audrey Azoulay, speaking in Brasilia, Brazil, said, "If we do nothing, approximately 5 billion people worldwide will face a water crisis by 2050." She added, "The report proposes nature-based solutions to strengthen water resource management. This is a crucial task that everyone must take responsibility for to avoid water-related conflicts." Lead author Richard Connor stated, "Many cases show that more ecosystem-friendly forms of water storage, such as natural wetlands, improved soil moisture, and more effective groundwater recharge, are more sustainable and effective than traditional man-made infrastructure such as dams." The report points out that green solutions have demonstrated significant potential. To download the World Water Development Report 2018, please visit: http://www.unwater.org/publications/world-water-development-r