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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