Thirsty world: Global responsibility?
The UN is warning of a 40 percent shortfall in water supplies by 2050 as world demand rises sharply.
The United Nations is warning of a big rise in the demand for water due to competing global demands.
The UN’s World Water Development Report says based on current trends, the planet faces a 40 percent shortfall in water supplies by 2050.
Keep reading
list of 4 itemsCanada wildfires spur evacuation orders, warnings: What you need to know
Evacuation orders issued as wildfire grows near Canada’s Alberta oil patch
Energy summit seeks to curb cooking habits that kill millions every year
By then, it is predicting that two thirds of the world’s population will be living in cities, with demand for water expected to increase by 55 percent.
As well as urbanisation and population growth, the report singles out climate change, pollution and increased demands made by agriculture, energy and industry, concluding: “Water directly influences our future, so we need to change the way we assess, manage and use this resource in the face of ever-rising demand.”
So how is the world managing its most precious resource? And should water be viewed as a global responsibility?
Presenter: Adrian Finighan
Guests:
Sakhile Khaweka – Regional support officer in Pretoria for WaterAid
Joakim Harlin – Senior water resources adviser for the United Nations Development Programme
Bart Hilhorst – Expert in water resources management
Published On 20 Mar 2015