World water resources are at risk: crisis is near!
Water resources worldwide are steadily decreasing. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
A new report published by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) provides important information about this situation. According to the report, over the last 50 years, 410 million hectares of wetlands have disappeared.
The volume of large lakes is shrinking, and some rivers do not reach the sea during certain periods of the year. Nearly 70 percent of underground water reserves are steadily declining, which is causing serious concern.
Climate change is also worsening the situation. Since 1970, more than 30 percent of glaciers have disappeared.
This has led to a reduction in water sources used by millions of people. Overuse of water, pollution, and disruption of ecological balance have brought many water systems to an irreparable state.
According to forecasts, by 2030, about 2 billion people worldwide will not have access to safe drinking water. 700 million people may be forced to change their place of residence due to water scarcity.
At the same time, global demand for fresh water will exceed available resources by 40 percent. The report also includes concerning information regarding Uzbekistan.
By 2030, the country's water shortage may reach 7 billion cubic meters. This situation is expected to place Uzbekistan among the 33 countries experiencing water scarcity.
Experts suggest calling this situation not a "water crisis," but a "water bankruptcy." According to them, in some regions, water systems have reached a level where they cannot recover.
This problem is not temporary but long-term and requires serious solutions.
