1.8

• What do the terms water scarcity, stress, and insecurity mean?

  Water scarcity is when less than 1000 m³ of water is available per person per year. Water stress means less than 1700 m³ is available. Water insecurity refers to situations where current or future water supplies are not guaranteed. Scarcity can be physical (too little water) or economic (water exists but is unaffordable or inaccessible).
• Is there really a global shortage of water?

  Technically, no—only around 50% of available freshwater is used. However, factors like population growth, unequal distribution, and declining water quality create regional shortages. A third of the world’s population faces water shortages or unsafe water access, making this a major 21st-century global issue.
• What causes water insecurity in different regions?

  Water insecurity can result from overuse, pollution, poor management, and high demand. A key example is Puerto Rico in 2015, where a leak from an industrial tank contaminated groundwater supplies. This demonstrates how industrial activity can directly threaten public water access and environmental health.
• Why is high water stress a concern for future development?

  Countries under high water stress face uncertainty in water availability, threatening their economy and development. Climate change is making dry areas drier. By 2040, 33 countries may face high stress, including 14 in the Middle East. Even large economies like the USA, China, and India are at risk.
• How has population growth affected global water demand?

  During the 20th century, the world population quadrupled, but water use increased sixfold due to rising living standards and wider access. Today, demand is growing twice as fast as the population. With half of the global population now living in cities, urban water use is surging, especially in Africa and Asia.
• How do rising living standards increase pressure on water resources?

  Higher incomes mean more meat consumption (which uses lots of water), larger homes, and more personal goods like cars and electronics. Industrialisation increases water use and pollution, and by 2050, industrial water demand is expected to rise by 400%. This is alongside greater food demand, stressing already limited agricultural water supplies.