King’s College London researchers have done an in-depth cross-country analysis in order to understand what are the impacts of large-scale agriculture and industry on the human right of drinking water. Researchers suggested to renew political commitment to ensure that every human being on Earth can have access to clean drinking water.
There are 2.2 billion people in this planet who lack safely managed drinking water. Among this 2.2 billion people, there are 450 million children who face water vulnerability.
Food, textile, energy, industry, chemicals, pharmaceutical and mining sectors use most water available on our planet. All these sectors are taking up more activities day by day where they will need more water.
Because of the global world trade, one countries water inefficiency will affect another country. In virtual water ‘trade’, all countries are interdependent on each other.
The European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights have highlighted some points-
- By the year of 2050, 50% increase in food production is required to feed the entire population on Earth. For this, growth in agricultural productions is needed which will consume unsustainable levels of water.
- Climate change will lead to uncertainty of water availability in some areas of the world. Some areas will be prone to drought, where some will be flooded. The quality of water will also decrease because of climate-induced algae blooms.
- Water consumption in the energy sector will increase by about 60%, by the year of 2040.
Researchers have come to a conclusion that reducing virtual water ‘flows’ and relieving water stress is not enough to secure drinking water on Earth. All state government need to specify measures for water accountability.
