Newsweek: What Happens If the World No Longer Has Water?

Countries of the Middle East, a region where population growth is high, may be among the first to run out of water. Shortages are associated with a series of conflicts and refugee crises after the country hosted Palestinians, Lebanese, Iraqis and Syrians. “Globally, water demand is forecast to rise by roughly 50 percent by 2050,” explains Peter Schwartzstein for Newsweek, adding that “21 out of the world’s 37 biggest aquifers are already moving past their tipping points, according to NASA, in part due to over-extraction for drinking water and mining. Meanwhile, global warming appears to be reducing rainfall in some places. Two out of every three people will face water shortages by 2025, the World Meteorological Organization says, and hundreds of millions more might grapple with dangerously poor water quality.” Megacities could be at risk, too, and almost half the world’s population lives in urban areas. Water shortages will contribute to economic troubles and conflict, and the article outlines a number of efforts underway including conservation measures, family planning, infrastructure improvements, sustainable agriculture practices, international assistance as well as regional planning and regulations – YaleGlobal