Global Agenda Council on Water Security 2012-2014

Scientists at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science suggest that by 2030 people will withdraw more than 40% more freshwater from available sources than can be renewed, and that close to 4 billion people will live in areas where the demand for water will far exceed available supplies. This situation will create significant economic and political challenges. Water Security: The Water-Food-Energy-Climate Nexus, published by the World Economic Forum Water Initiative, says that in Asia, for example, agriculture currently uses 70% of annual global freshwater withdrawals and up to 90% in some parts of the region, and that governments across Asia will also need on average 65% more freshwater for their industry and energy sectors by 2030 to meet national growth aspirations.