Summary
The United Nations reports that the world is facing a "global water bankruptcy," which means that water shortages are more severe than previously thought. They urge world leaders to focus on long-term, science-backed solutions. This situation is due to factors like pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
Key Facts
- The UN calls the current water shortages a "global water bankruptcy."
- Half of the world's largest lakes have lost water since the 1990s.
- 50% of global domestic water now comes from groundwater.
- 410 million hectares of natural wetlands have been lost over the past 50 years.
- 75% of the world's population lives in countries with water insecurity.
- 2 billion people live on land that is sinking, and 3.5 billion lack access to safe water.
- AccuWeather research indicates that the U.S. is experiencing decreasing yearly rainfall but more extreme rain events.
- The UN urges a shift in focus to long-term, science-backed solutions for managing water resources.
