In areas around the world where water is scarce, people have to ration their water use.

Unfortunately, in some places such as Cameron, this isn’t enough and people go without necessary water supplies.

It’s important to understand what water scarcity is, how it affects people and the environment, and what can be done to mitigate it.

Fighting over water resources forced 30,000 people to flee their homes.

In recent months, water scarcity caused violence and rage in some villages in Cameron and forced over 30,000 people to flee their homes

Boris Cheshirkov, the spokesman of UNHCR (UN REFUGE AGENCY) explained that clashes had broken out in recent days in the village of Ouloumsa, following a dispute over water resources.

The violence then spread to neighboring villages, leaving 10 villages burned to the ground. 

At least 22 people have died and 30 others seriously injured during these several days of ongoing violence and fighting.

“The main reason that this tension has been breaking and getting worse is climate change, because that they depend on the waters of the Logone river, which is one of main tributaries of Lake Chad; Lake Chad has been shrinking over six decades now, it has lost 95 per cent of its surface water.” Mr. Cheshirkov maintained.

water scarcity in africa - nopolluting
Photo: WFP/Patrick Fuller.

What will the future of water scarcity do to our world?

Water scarcity is a global problem that is only going to get worse. The UN predicts that almost half of the world’s population will be living in areas with extreme water stress by 2030.

african kid and water shortage - nopolluting
Photo by Dazzle Jam

We must find sustainable Solutions for water scarcity

It is imperative that we invest in our water resources and make sure they are sustainable.

We must work to mitigate the effects of climate change, as well as the increasing demand for energy and food production which drive up water consumption.

The world’s population will continue to grow, with estimates suggesting a global increase from 7 billion people today to 9-10 billion by 2050 (UN).

This means more homes, businesses and industrial facilities competing for limited supplies of this precious resource.

The World Bank warns that Without significant investments in new technologies like desalination plants or wastewater reuse systems on an unprecedented scale, half the world’s population could be living under severe constraints on fresh water by 2025.

Source:
UN.ORG 
WORLDBANK
UNHCR