United Nations says world facing severe water crisis

The United Nations has warned that the world will plunge into a severe water crisis in the near future unless countries adopt universal reforms

The United Nations has warned that the world will plunge into a severe water crisis in the near future unless countries adopt universal reforms.

The UN said in its annual World Water Development Report that current trends on the use of the precious resource will place the world at a 40-percent water deficit by 2030.

The UN pointed to a laundry list of present abuses, including contamination of water by pesticides, industrial pollution and runoff from untreated sewage, and overexploitation. Climate change and urbanization will also add to the coming crisis.

Tackling the issue requires smart and responsive governance that pushes rules and incentives to curb waste, punishes pollution, encourages innovation and nurtures habitats that provide havens for biodiversity and water for humans, the report said.

The report added that by 2050, global demand for water is expected to increase by 55 percent, mainly due to urban growth.