By 2025, 1.8 billion people live in regions with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world’s population is under water stress.*
By 2020, the world needs a 13 percent increase in food production to meet the demand of 7.8 billion people, an addition of 890 million tons.**
By 2025, water withdrawals increase by 50 percent in developing countries and 18 percent in developed countries. It leads to increased local competition for water.***
Urbanization, rising standards of living and associated consumerism puts increasing pressure on already scarce resources. The perception of scarcity may trigger conflicts and unrest before actual shortages are even felt. Climate change exacerbates these effects. Scientists increasingly agree that climate change will restrict our access to vital resources including food, water, land and energy. According to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization, by 2025 1.8 billion people will live in regions with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world population could face water stress.
Water scarcity drives continuing transformation in industrial production and technologies. Differing national policies concerning the sale and ownership of natural resources become a top priority area for international organizations such as the UN and World Economic Forum.