UN World Water Development Report 2024 focused on ‘Water for Prosperity and Peace’ was released

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Report recognises water’s critical role in ensuring peace and prosperity (refer to the box) but finds that there is no conclusive evidence that the next wars will be over water.

Key highlights of report
- Current Status of water resources
  - Agriculture accounts for ~70% of freshwater withdrawals.
  - Lake Chad has decreased in size by 90% over 60 years.
  - While cooperation over shared surface water appears to be gaining momentum, groundwater resources remain grossly neglected.
- Attaining SDG 6 (water for all by 2030) is challenging
  - ~50% of the world’s population experiences severe water scarcity for at least part of the year.
  - Northwest India and North China are among world’s top three hotspots of water-related risks to food production.
- Prevalence of Water–Prosperity Paradox
  - Developed water resource infrastructure can promote growth and prosperity, however, only richest countries can afford them.

Key recommendations: Sustainable management of water resources can be ensured by:
- Transboundary agreements.
- Increased private investment ((universal access to water will require an annual investment of around US $114 billion until 2030).
- Decoupling water and production in Industries.
  - For example, Tata Chemicals cut the use of groundwater by 99.4% within a year through recycling and water management.

Water and peace: Water scarcity may lead to
- an increase in local disputes as being seen in the Sahel region.
- Migration that may increase tension in settlement areas.
- heightened food insecurity.
Water and prosperity:
- Water helps maintain environmental integrity
- In low and lower-middle-income countries around 70-80% of the jobs are water dependent.
- Water is critical for inclusivity (Girls and women are the first victims of water scarcity as it undermines their education, economic participation and safety).