A new report from the Global Commission on the Economics of Water reveals that for the first time in recorded history, the global water cycle is experiencing severe stress. This alarming situation is attributed to a combination of human activities and climate change, highlighting the urgent need for action.
The report underscores decades of mismanagement and the undervaluation of water resources worldwide, which have led to significant damage to freshwater ecosystems and ongoing contamination of vital water sources. Johan Rockstrom, co-chair of the commission and one of the report’s authors, emphasizes, “For the first time in human history, we are pushing the global water cycle out of balance. Precipitation, the source of all freshwater, can no longer be relied upon.”
The natural water cycle, which is essential for sustaining life, involves the continuous movement of water between the earth and the atmosphere. However, disruptions to this delicate balance are being felt globally, impacting billions of lives.
The report highlights that nearly 3 billion people and over half of the world’s food production are located in regions projected to see a decline in total water storage. This situation is expected to worsen, with the report warning that more than 50% of the world’s food production is at risk. Economic impacts could be profound, with countries potentially losing an average of 8% of their GDP by 2050, and poorer nations facing losses of up to 15%.
The commission distinguishes between “blue water,” which includes liquid found in lakes, rivers, and aquifers, and “green water,” the moisture held in plants and soils. While blue water has historically been the focus of water management strategies, the report emphasizes that green water is equally crucial, contributing to about half of all rainfall on land through plant transpiration.
The report also links disruptions in the water cycle to the accelerating climate crisis. The loss of critical ecosystems, such as wetlands and forests, which serve as carbon sinks, exacerbates global warming. This process leads to drier landscapes and an increased risk of wildfires, further damaging the environment.
One of the most striking findings of the report is the amount of water necessary for a dignified life. It estimates that individuals require around 4,000 liters of water daily to maintain a decent standard of living—significantly more than the 50 to 100 liters considered essential for basic survival by the United Nations.
Professor Richard Allan, a climate scientist at the University of Reading, warns that the report presents “a grim picture of human-caused disruption to the global water cycle, the most precious natural resource that ultimately sustains our livelihoods.”
In light of these findings, the commission calls for a reform in the economic approach to water management. It urges governments to adopt policies promoting sustainable use, including better pricing strategies that reflect water scarcity and discourage wasteful practices. Examples include avoiding the cultivation of water-intensive crops in drought-prone areas and reconsidering the establishment of data centers in regions already facing water stress.
The findings of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the global water crisis. By recognizing the importance of both blue and green water and implementing sustainable practices, it may be possible to restore balance to the water cycle and secure a more sustainable future for all.
