Two-thirds of the world's population lacks serious water

New research shows that the number of people suffering from severe dehydration is much higher than previous statistics.

According to The Verge, a study published last week showed that about 4 billion people experience severe water shortages for at least 1 month in a year, and nearly half of them live in China and India. Degree. The study shows that the problem of serious water shortage is affecting more people than conventional thinking and also raises concerns about the sustainability of the current water use habits of people.

Picture 1 of Two-thirds of the world's population lacks serious water
About 4 billion people experience severe water shortage at least 1 month in 1 year.

Previous studies have concluded that between 1.7 and 3.1 billion people are affected by water shortages. But these studies are based on annual data, not taking into account changes in supply and water consumption throughout the year. In the new study, the researchers used monthly data to assess water shortages between 1996 and 2005, based on agricultural, urban and environmental needs.

The results show that not only populous countries like China, India, poor countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nigeria have water shortages but even 130 million people in the United States (mainly in the California, Texas and Florida are also falling into this situation. " Water shortages have become a global problem that affects all of us . We are all related to this problem, " said Professor. Arjen Hoekstra, the water management department at Twente University (Netherlands) and co-author of the study confirmed.

Picture 2 of Two-thirds of the world's population lacks serious water
The main reason for this situation is the rapid increase in population.

The main reason for this situation is due to the rapid increase in population , in which agriculture is currently consuming the majority of the global water. The phenomenon of climate change will also make the water shortage worse, especially when drought occurs more deeply.

The authors of this study hope that measures to limit water consumption and increase water efficiency will help to reduce this vital problem. However, Professor Hoekstra also said: "In terms of practical action, we have not seen much."