7 facts about the global water crisis and water resilience COP29 leaders should know

Illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on the World Economic Forum or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The escalating global water crisis, driven by climate change and land use changes, threatens economies, societies, and ecosystems
• The recent Economics of Water report calls for urgent action at COP29 to integrate water management into climate policies
• World leaders must prioritize freshwater resilience to prevent worsening water shortages and disasters

🔭 The context: Nearly half of terrestrial rainfall originates from land, making ecosystems crucial to the water cycle
• Deforestation and agricultural expansion disrupt these systems, while climate change exacerbates water scarcity
• Economic losses from water-related disasters reached $275 billion in 2022, spotlighting the urgent need for sustainable water management

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Water scarcity endangers global food systems, biodiversity, and climate stability
• Protecting natural habitats, enhancing water governance, and investing in resilient infrastructure are vital for addressing these interconnected crises
• Sustainable water management underpins efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change

⏭️ What's next: COP29 leaders must integrate water resilience into climate finance strategies and promote natural climate solutions
• Scaling investments in water infrastructure and fostering public-private partnerships will be critical
• The window for action is narrowing, with nearly half of the global population projected to face water stress by 2030

💬 One quote: “The Economics of Water report warns that, by 2030, nearly half of the global population could be living in water-stressed areas” – Global Commission on the Economics of Water

📈 One stat: 55% of global food is produced in areas with declining water storage, and up to 23% of cereal production could be lost if irrigation becomes unfeasible

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