The world is facing a serious crisis known as “global water bankruptcy.” This term refers to the alarming depletion and pollution of water resources. According to a recent UN report, an urgent response is needed, as many regions are depleting their water faster than it can be replenished.
Water is vital for all life. Yet, many communities are using water unsustainably, draining rivers and aquifers beyond their natural limits. Climate change compounds this issue by melting glaciers and causing erratic weather patterns, leading to severe droughts in some areas and floods in others.
Professor Kaveh Madani, one of the report’s authors, emphasizes that while not every region is facing bankruptcy, the interconnectedness of global trade and migration means that water shortages in one area can affect many others. Currently, 75% of the global population lives in places categorized as water-insecure. Remarkably, around 2 billion people dwell in regions where groundwater levels are collapsing, leading to sinking land.
Conflict over water resources has surged dramatically. Since 2010, disputes related to water have increased from 20 reported cases to over 400 in 2024. Major rivers, like the Colorado and the Murray-Darling, are shrinking, with cities like Chennai, India, experiencing severe water shortages, dubbed “day zero” crises.
Over the last few decades, significant lakes have also dried up. For instance, Lake Urmia in Iran and the Salton Sea in the U.S. highlight how water systems are failing. This loss doesn’t just affect humans; wildlife is suffering, too, as habitats are disrupted.
Groundwater over-exploitation leads different cities around the globe to experience land subsidence. For example, Rafsanjan, Iran, is sinking about 30 cm every year, with other cities like San Francisco and Mexico City not far behind. These geographical changes are alarming, with communities bearing the brunt of poor water management.
The report suggests a radical change in how water is protected and used. This means adapting our approach to agriculture, shifting to less water-intensive crops, and implementing efficient irrigation techniques. Local communities, often the most vulnerable, should receive support as these changes take place.
Experts agree that addressing water bankruptcy is crucial for global stability. Tshilidzi Marwala, a UN undersecretary general, points out that water mismanagement contributes to fragility and conflict. He stresses that ensuring water is shared fairly is vital for maintaining peace.
Professor Albert Van Dijk from the Australian National University notes that climate change exacerbates this crisis. It brings inconsistent rainfall patterns that complicate water management. Furthermore, Dr. Jonathan Paul at Royal Holloway highlights that the increasing global population plays a critical role in this crisis, adding pressure on already strained resources.
To learn more, you can explore the full UN report here. Understanding the depth of this issue is essential for us to work together towards a sustainable future.
