Global Water Cycle Disrupted for First Time in Human History

A groundbreaking report from the Global Commission on the Economics of Water warns that humanity has disrupted the global water cycle for the first time in history, leading to a severe water crisis, CNN reported yesterday.

This disruption, driven by decades of poor land management and climate change, has left nearly 3 billion people facing water scarcity, with dire consequences for agriculture and economies worldwide.

The report highlights that over 50% of global food production is at risk, potentially resulting in GDP losses averaging 8% by 2050, with low-income countries facing losses of up to 15%. It distinguishes between “blue water” (in lakes and rivers) and “green water” (moisture in soils), both crucial for sustaining rainfall and ecosystems.

Experts emphasize the urgent need for improved water management and significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. The report calls for governments to treat the water cycle as a common good, advocating for a reevaluation of water economics to address this escalating crisis effectively.