global water crisis leaves half of world food production at risk in next 25 years- report
A report by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water published today [17th October 2024] finds that half of world food production is at risk in the next 25 years as a result of the global water crisis, and that demand for fresh water will outstrip supply by 40% by the end of the decade, if urgent action is not taken.
Commenting on this landmark report, Water Witness Director, Nick Hepworth, said:
“We congratulate the Global Commission on the Economics of Water on their report launched today which brings the gravity of water crisis for the future of humanity into stark focus. Water Witness is proud to have contributed evidence and recommendations to the study based on our work over the past 15 years for global water justice.
The authors pinpoint the decades of collective mismanagement of water that have damaged ecosystems and contaminated water resources, and the widespread drying of rivers and aquifers which now threaten our future food supplies. The water crisis impacts the poor and vulnerable most severely – 1000 children still die every day from water related illnesses - and it this gross injustice must be ignored no longer.
As the report points out – we all have an important role to play in reversing the water crisis – from demanding responsible water stewardship from our supermarkets, businesses, brands, banks and pension funds – to demanding accountability and bold leadership on water from governments and political leaders.
Water Witness is now leading the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations with support from the UK Government to ensure that our water footprints are fair. We want to end the abuse of water in our supply chains, so that production of the food we eat, clothes we wear and IT we use doesn’t cause pollution, over-abstraction, or harm nature. We urge you to join us to take action for a Fair Water Footprint.”
Read the Global Commission on the Economics of Water report here: https://economicsofwater.watercommission.org/report/executive-summary-economics-of-water.pdf