In a new report released recently, the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) declares an era of global water bankruptcy; as deforestation, pollution, sustained overuse of water systems has pushed many sources into a “post-crisis condition” in which historical baselines are no longer attainable without transformative change.
In response, Chief Executive of WaterAid UK, Tim Wainwright said at Davos:
” ‘Global Water Bankruptcy’ captures a hard truth: the world’s water crisis has crossed a point of no return.
“Worldwide, water is being depleted faster than it can be replenished and drought conditions are pushing billions into permanent water insecurity – costing more each year than most countries’ entire economies.
“So why isn’t this crisis dominating headlines and boardrooms alike?
“At Davos this week, government and business leaders must recognise and prioritise tackling the global water crisis – a defining challenge and opportunity to reshape global health, food security, and economies this century. The moment for action and investment is now.”