Water Scarcity as a Global Risk – UN Report Warns of Rising Conflict

The UN cultural organization UNESCO is sounding the alarm: Water scarcity could lead to increased disputes worldwide. This scenario was outlined by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay in the context of her annual water report. The clear message: To maintain peace, it is necessary not only to take protective measures for water resources but also to engage in intensive regional and global cooperation. About 50 percent of the global population is affected by water deficits at least seasonally, and more than two billion people lack access to clean drinking water, while around 3.5 billion must forego hygienic sanitation infrastructure. Although there is continuous population growth, the relationship between growth and water demand is not directly, according to UNESCO – lower consumption is found particularly in regions with rapid population increase. Freshwater consumption increases by one percent annually, with this rise not solely attributable to the agricultural sector, which accounts for 70 percent of water use. Industry, which represents 20 percent and private households at 10 percent, also contribute to the increased demand for water. Changed dietary habits are considered a driver for this trend. UNESCO also points out the social component: Women and girls suffer particularly from water scarcity, as they are often responsible for the laborious water supply in rural areas, which is at the expense of their educational opportunities. Migration movements can also be favored by a lack of water. The UNESCO report also emphasizes that the poorest and weakest population groups are particularly threatened by water scarcity. Although water is not yet considered a primary cause of conflict, it could, however, exacerbate disputes – such as in the Sahel zone, where drainage led to tensions over water and land access. Stronger collaboration and joint management of water resources, supported by the 1992 Water Convention, could serve as instruments of peace, according to UNESCO. Since 2016, the Convention has been open to all countries, which is reflected in an increase in the number of members – from 41 to 52 countries, with around 30 more in the process of joining. Sonja Köppel, Head of the Secretariat of the UN Water Convention, cites the Sava region after the war and similar cooperations across country borders as examples of positive impacts. However, current political conflicts such as between Belarus and Lithuania are hindering further progress. Worldwide, 153 countries share rivers or lakes with their neighbors, but only 24 have comprehensive agreements for all water bodies on their territory – Germany is one of these countries.