Next wars could be over water, COP 15
Release Date: 2009-03-18
The world's water supply is increasingly coming under pressure from ever larger populations and climate change. Conflicts over water are a growing threat to the world's security, according to a new UN report.
"Hydrologic shocks that may occur through climate change increase the risk of major national and international security threats, especially in unstable areas."
This is a quote from a new report - Water in a Changing World - compiled with contributions from 24 UN bodies. The report's launch coincides with the opening today of the World Water Forum in Istanbul, Turkey.
According to the report the annual increase in the world's demand for water is 64 billion cubic meters – equivalent to the entire consumption of Egypt. The main reason is population growth, but climate change and water spillage add to worsen things.
Commenting on the report, Mark Smith, head of the water program of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, tells AP that two thirds of the world's population will be affected by water shortages by 2025:
"Climate change will be felt first and foremost through water, whether it be drought, floods, storms, ice melting or sea-level rises."
| Type: | NORMAL |
| Company: | COP 15 |
| Country: | Denmark |
| Url: | http://en.cop15.dk/news/view+news?newsid=882 |