Is the Earth at risk of running out of water?

Although not facing the risk of depleting seawater, which covers 70% of the Earth's surface, humanity still faces a shortage of freshwater.

Drought is affecting the Rhine River near Cologne, Germany. Photo: alfotokunst/Shutterstock — Drought is affecting the Rhine River near Cologne, Germany. Photo: *alfotokunst/Shutterstock*

In the coming decades, water scarcity could become one of the biggest problems the world faces. Experts predict that freshwater shortages will increase due to unsustainable use, pollution, population growth, and climate change. While the Earth will not be pushed to a point of complete water depletion, one problem is becoming increasingly clear: Freshwater is not always available when and where people need it, IFL Science reported on September 14.

Humans will not face the risk of running out of saltwater, which covers 70% of the Earth's surface. The problem lies in the amount of freshwater that humans use for drinking, bathing, and agriculture . This usable freshwater accounts for only 3% of the world's water, and even that is largely trapped in ice or glaciers.

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of droughts, one of the main factors causing the global water scarcity crisis.

Agricultural activities also consume enormous amounts of water, accounting for nearly 70% of the total freshwater extracted globally, according to the World Bank. Experts predict that the world's population will increase in the coming decades, leading to increased demand for both food and water.

For many, the water crisis is already underway. According to a 2023 United Nations estimate, 2 billion people globally, or a quarter of the Earth's population, lack access to safe drinking water.

Cape Town provides a clear example of the risks that could befall many cities in the future. In 2018, after years of unsustainable water use, poor management, and climate change, this South African city was predicted to run out of water within months. Besides warnings about literally running out of taps, residents were urged to reduce water consumption, take shorter showers, refrain from washing cars, and flush toilets as infrequently as possible.

Fortunately, Cape Town narrowly avoided "Day Zero"—the predicted day the city would run out of water. However, the city's struggle could be a harbinger of what might happen to other parts of the world.

In a 2018 BBC analysis, several major cities were identified as potential "hotspots" for water scarcity, including London, Tokyo, Miami, and Moscow. Poorer communities and less developed areas would be hit harder.

As water becomes increasingly scarce, the world will experience profound social and geopolitical changes. Researchers suggest that climate change and water scarcity could increase the risk of conflict, with nations and organizations competing for access to water resources. An estimated 700 million people could be displaced due to severe water scarcity by the end of this decade, leading to a major shift in global migration patterns.

Thu Thao (According to IFL Science )

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