On Friday, the UN said that 2030 may not have 60 all the water needed to survive. The increasing population, increased consumption, and food security and other factors will all contribute to the rising demand. The UN stated in its World Water Report 2015 that “water crisis” was caused by poor governance, and not lack of resources. The problem of “overexploiting” groundwater resources is estimated to be around 20%. This situation is likely to worsen by 2050, when the world’s water demand is predicted to increase by nearly two-thirds. Nearly all countries, particularly those in emerging and developing economies, will face significant challenges due to the increasing need for freshwater and energy. According to the report, “By 2050, the global water need is expected to rise by 55%, due to increasing demands from manufacturing and thermal electricity generation. The world will also have to produce 60% more food, and the global demand for industrial water is forecast to grow by 400 percent.” “The greatest challenge will be faced by emerging and developing economies where industry, agriculture and urban areas often expand at an unparalleled rate. Globally, there are 1.3 billion people without electricity. 780 millions lack safe drinking water and 2.5 billion don’t have sanitation. Water is a key ingredient in developing hydropower generation and thermal electricity generation. According to the report, energy production decisions should be made taking into consideration the limitations of available water resources. The conflict exists between power generation, and water use. Global electricity production is 80% mainly due to thermal power generation. Thermal power generation accounts for approximately half the water withdrawals in many countries. The sustainability of freshwater resources will depend on how we make today’s decisions about energy production.
