The UN’s annual World Water Development Report 2018 has highlighted the need to use nature to combat the challenges of a growing population and climate change. In its detailed analysis, the report demonstrates that demand for water is increasing in developing countries, while simultaneously access is being put at risk by human development and climate change.
Deforestation, intense farming methods and urbanisation are putting these resources under pressure, while climate change is making parts of the world more susceptible to both droughts and flooding. In response, the UN argues that nature has a variety of untapped solutions to help meet these challenges.
“We need new solutions in managing water resources so as to meet emerging challenges to water security caused by population growth and climate change. If we do nothing, some five billion people will be living in areas with poor access to water by 2050. This Report proposes solutions that are based on nature to manage water better. This is a major task all of us need to accomplish together, responsibly so as to avoid water related conflicts,” declared Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, which worked on the study.
The report makes the case for working with […]
Full article: UN promotes nature-based solutions to tackle growing water shortages
More about nature and water:
We’re in a global water crisis. It’s time to turn to nature
Water, water, not everywhere: Former NASA hydrologist says water security issues worsening
Nature is teaching … are we learning?
Water for people or nature is a false choice.
An Unusual Partnership for People and Nature
Nature Is Speaking – Harrison Ford is The Ocean
Nature Is Speaking – Ian Somerhalder is Coral Reef
We can see how humans have altered Earth’s water resources