PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
New research shows four billion people affected by severe
water scarcity
The Hague, 12th February 2016: Ground-breaking research published in Science
Advances today reveals that many more people are living under severe water
scarcity than previously thought. Founder of the Water Footprint Network and
University of Twente Professor of Water Management, Arjen Hoekstra (1), has
discovered that as many as four billion people worldwide are affected by severe
water scarcity for at least one month a year. In 37 countries the entire population is
affected and in 97 countries over half of the population (see map below).
Hoekstra said: “We have found that groundwater levels are falling, lakes are drying
up, less water is flowing in rivers, and water supplies for industry and farmers are
threatened. The growing world population, changes in consumer behaviour, and
climate change are having an alarming impact on the scarcity and quality of water.”
This research provides a more detailed view of water scarcity – month by month and
at a finer spatial resolution. This gives us a better understanding of how water
scarcity changes over time and from one place to another. Water Footprint Network
(2) illustrates how this new research can be used to understand the causes of water
scarcity and the impacts it has on sustainable development. (3)
“Water scarcity can limit economic opportunities, degrade natural ecosystems, lead
to loss of valuable ecosystems services and have negative impacts on subsistence
uses, such as access to drinking water and loss of local fisheries. If we are going to
achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we must face the challenges ahead
with a solid understanding of how we can end hunger, use resources efficiently and
within sustainable limits. This new research tells us the challenge is greater than we
thought and reveals the path ahead for achieving greater food and water security,”
said Ruth Mathews Executive Director of Water Footprint Network.
The Water Footprint Network’s mission is to provide science-based, practical
solutions and strategic insights that empower companies, governments, individuals
and small-scale producers to transform the way we use and share fresh water within
earth’s limits.
See the graphics on page 2:
Percentage of population experiencing severe water scarcity at least one month a year
Source: Water Footprint Network
Data from M.M. Mekonnen & A.Y. Hoekstra, University of Twente
Hunger population (in millions)
percentage of population under
water scarcity
0
Sudan
50
0
Kenya
50
Nigeria
100
Vietnam
100
Philippines
150
Bangladesh
150
Indonesia
200
Ethiopia
200
Pakistan
250
China
250
India
Number of undernourished
people (in millions)
Percentage of population experiencing severe water scarcity at least one month a year
in countries that have the largest number of undernourished people
Percentage of population experiencing severe water scarcity
Source: Water Footprint Network
Data from M.M. Mekonnen & A.Y. Hoekstra, University of Twente and FAO Hunger Map, 2015
Percentage of population experiencing severe water scarcity at least one month a year
in largest net blue virtual water exporting countries
Source: Water Footprint Network
Data from M.M. Mekonnen & A.Y. Hoekstra, University of Twente
Notes to editors:
(1) Hoekstra started this research in 2010, together with his University of Twente
colleague and post-doc researcher Dr. Mesfin Mekonnen, from Ethiopia.
(2) See the definition of ‘water footprint’ here.
For a full explanation of the graphics see the briefing paper click here.
All graphics can be reproduced, with source and data credits given.
Further information:
Ruth Mathews, Executive Director, Water Footprint Network
ruth.mathews@waterfootprint.org +31 (0) 85 484 9606 Mobile: +31 (0)6 2381 5408
Dr. Ertug Ercin, Project Manager, Water Footprint Network
ertug.ercin@waterfootprint.org +31 (0) 85 484 9604
Arjen Y. Hoekstra, Professor in Water Management, University of Twente
a.y.hoekstra@utwente.nl +31 (0) 53 489 3880
www.waterfootprint.org
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