Scientists Say Risk of Water Wars Is Rising
STOCKHOLM, Sweden — The risk of wars being fought over water is rising because of explosive global population growth and widespread complacency, scientists said recently.
"We have had oil wars," said Professor William Mitsch. "That's happened in our lifetime. Water wars are possible."
Scientists at the World Water Week conference, which began on Sunday in Stockholm, said ignorance and complacency were widespread in wealthier countries.
"I don't know what will shake these regions out of complacency other than the fact there will be droughts, pestilence, and wars that break out over water rights," said Mitsch, professor of natural resources at Ohio State University. Mitsch said potential flashpoints included the Middle East.
"Continuing on our present path will mean more conflict," a report by International Water Management Institute said.
With the world's population growing at exponential rates, there is extreme pressure on water supplies to provide drinking water and food, scientists said.
"In 2025, we will have another 2 billion people to feed, and 95 percent of these will be in urban areas," said Professor Jan Lundqvist of Stockholm International Water Institute.
The answer was sustained investment in infrastructure. An estimated $80 billion was invested each year in the water sector, but this needed to at least double, said Professor Frank Rijsberman, the water institute's director general.
Dr. David Molden, co-author of the water institute's report, said, "I think if I look at the numbers I can't immediately see a way out over the next few years. I think we will reach a real crisis."