Environment

UN weather agency warns of looming water crisis

Geneva, Oct 5 (EFE).- The United Nations weather agency warned Tuesday of a looming water crisis if urgent action to improve cooperative water management is not taken.

Water-related hazards including floods and droughts are increasing due to climate change and the number of people suffering water stress is expected to soar, the World Meteorological Organization said.

According to its latest multi-agency report, The State of Climate Services 2021: Water, the “management, monitoring, forecasting and early warnings are fragmented and inadequate”, leading to extreme, water related events.

“Increasing temperatures are resulting in global and regional precipitation changes, leading to shifts in rainfall patterns and agricultural seasons, with a major impact on food security and human health and well-being,” says World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas.

Some 3.6 billion people had inadequate access to water at least one month per year in 2018 and by 2050 it is expected to rise to over five billion, according to the report.

Since 2000, flood-related disasters have increased by 134% compared to the previous two decades and only 0.5% of water on Earth is usable, it added.

Most flood-related deaths and economic losses were reported in Asia however catastrophic flooding has also led to major disruption in Europe.

“We need to wake up to the looming water crisis,” Prof. Taalas urged. EFE

is/mp/ks

Related Articles

Back to top button