One in four people now lives in a country facing "very high" water shortages, according to a World Resources Institute (WRI) report published August 6.
Of the 17 countries with a major water crisis, 12 are in the Middle East and North Africa, with Qatar, Israel and Lebanon at the top of the list.
Iran, Jordan, Libya, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman are among the countries with a very high water crisis.
12 out of the top 17 most water stressed countries listed by WRI were located in this hot and dry region, collectively known as MENA. Qatar, Israel, and Lebanon ranked in the top three. pic.twitter.com/s8PtxnAnOT
– Fuad Alakbarov (@DrAlakbarov) August 7, 2019
In addition, 27 other countries are suffering from severe water shortages, including Yemen, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Egypt and others.
Experts say global warming is worsening the situation in these countries, and according to World Bank data, by 2050 the region will suffer the biggest economic losses due to climate-related water shortages, estimated at between 6 and 14% of GDP.
The largest water consumers in these countries are in agriculture and industry in addition to human needs, especially in cities.
However, the report notes that there is still room for improvement in the MENA region. If wastewater is reused in the region, Amman, a country with a "very high" water shortage, treats 100% of collected wastewater and re-uses 78%. About 84% of all wastewater in the Gulf is treated and 44% reused.
The report concludes with optimistic conclusions. The Institute notes that by working together and investing in better management, we can solve the world's water problems.
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