Global Water Security Under Threat Amid Climate Change and Conflicts
Global Water Security Under Threat Amid Climate Change and Conflicts
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The world is facing an escalating water security crisis, which has evolved from an environmental and developmental concern into a major geopolitical challenge. Rising climate change impacts, growing droughts, desertification, and dwindling freshwater resources are increasingly threatening the stability of societies and nations.
A World Bank report released on September 1, 2025, noted that nearly 90% of the global population experiences some form of environmental degradation, including water stress, air pollution, and land erosion. In low-income countries, 8 out of 10 people lack access to clean water, safe air, or healthy land. The situation is further exacerbated in regions affected by conflict or weak infrastructure.
Similarly, a 2024 United Nations report on water resources highlighted that 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, while 3.5 billion do not have adequate sanitation services. Nearly half of the global population faces water scarcity, and 646 million children are deprived of basic hygiene. Waterborne diseases and poor sanitation cause approximately 1.4 million deaths annually.
The reports also warn that over 800 million people are at risk of drought, and more than 1.5 billion live in flood-prone areas, raising threats to both human and food security. Global freshwater demand is projected to exceed supply by 40% by 2030, potentially jeopardizing half of worldwide food production. By 2050, two-thirds of the global population could experience water-related crises without urgent intervention.
Climate and environmental experts emphasized that water security is as critical as food security, affecting migration, displacement, and regional stability. She urged integrated solutions, including improved seeds, sustainable agriculture, and efficient water management. Technological innovations are increasingly adopted to address water scarcity, such as renewable-powered desalination, water recycling, AI-driven quality monitoring, and atmospheric water generation.
Russia has emerged as a key player in this field, partnering with countries like Egypt and Morocco on projects combining energy production and seawater desalination, as well as low-water-use agriculture. Experts stress that international cooperation, policy prioritization, and climate summit initiatives are essential to safeguard water resources and ensure a sustainable and secure future for generations to come.
