| Popis: |
The very notion that water is plentiful, covering 70% of the planet is a bit misleading, as only 2.8% of all water is freshwater. As an irony of fate, this limited resource will need to support a projected population of 9.7 billion in 2050; and by that date, an estimated 3.9 billion, i.e. over 40% of the world’s population will be forced to live in severely water-stressed river basins (OECD, 2012). However, it is not just population that is pressuring water resources. Excessive use of water is also evident as the global population tripled in the twentieth century, while the use of water increased 6-fold (FAO, 2009). Between now and 2050, water demands are expected to increase by 400% from manufacturing, and by 130% from household uses (OECD, 2012). As water availability decreases, competition for access to this limited resource will gradually increase. |
