The “new abnormal”: The rise of extreme flooding, briefly explained
VoxJun 29, 2023
Report: Water Crisis Threatening World Food Production
Above: Yagua Indigenous people carry water due to the low level of the Amazon river at Isla de los Micos, Amazonas department, Colombia, on Oct. 4, 2024. Image copyright: Luis Acosta/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
According to a report from the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, the global water crisis will threaten more than half of the world's food production by 2050.
The OECD-backed report published on Thursday also found that water shortages may cut high-income nations' gross domestic product (GDP) by 8%.
The Spin
Narrative A
Clean water, essential for life, is already beyond reach for billions of people worldwide. The situation is worsening, as climate change and population growth strain already limited resources. For every 1.8°F rise in global temperature, we lose 20% of our renewable water resources. This problem transcends borders, sometimes sparking international tensions, yet global coordination to address this crisis remains inadequate.
Narrative B
We can protect and restore natural water sources like wetlands and forests while dramatically improving agricultural water efficiency through drip irrigation. Cities must fix leaky infrastructure that wastes trillions of gallons yearly with creative solutions like water recycling and rainwater harvesting. Most importantly, we need integrated approaches that recognize water's connection to climate, food, and energy.