Although it doesn't receive the attention it deserves, water scarcity is one of the most worrying and serious issues facing the planet in the coming years. Currently, Chile is experiencing the worst drought in its history, and many other countries around the world are battling this major problem, largely caused by climate change.
Water is a precious resource that is becoming increasingly scarce , so everyone should be mindful of its consumption. According to several reports presented by the UN , if we continue at this rate of water consumption, in 15 years we will be short no less than 40% of the water the planet needs to live. This serious problem would cause ongoing conflicts between different countries and severe economic problems worldwide.
As I mentioned earlier, the country most severely affected by water scarcity is Chile. However, it is not the only one, as Brazil is experiencing its worst drought in the last 80 years . Likewise, there are countries that, despite facing significant water scarcity problems, have managed to overcome this challenge and find creative solutions. This is the case of Israel, which in 2000 suffered from severe drought and opted for desalination , achieving remarkable results today.
China is another country suffering the effects of drought. To address the problem, the world's leading power has opted to build a massive 1000-kilometer canal to carry water from the south of the country to the north. In Europe, Spain has also combated drought by implementing micro-channels that capture rainwater and transform it into drinking water for the population. Considering these initiatives, it is crucial to analyze what countries are doing to combat drought and water scarcity globally.
Measures Implemented by Different Countries
In Spain, the Cantabrian coast has received normal levels of rainfall over the past year. However, in the rest of the country, drought continues to take its toll on agriculture, industry, and leisure activities . According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the country as a whole is experiencing a meteorological drought that has now lasted three years, despite a relatively wet winter. To address this, Spain is implementing a series of measures included in the Drought Management Plans developed for each of the country's river basins.
Some river basins have already begun implementing water restriction measures for irrigation, and in urban areas, non-priority uses (such as fountains or park watering) have been limited. Furthermore, in some specific towns with drinking water access problems, water tanker systems have been deployed. “These are only emergency measures, not adaptation measures,” explains the director of the Alicante Water Climate Change Chair at the University of Alicante.
“Drought solutions must be planned and implemented during years of abundant rainfall, when there is no pressure on water resources because they are sufficient to supply the various uses,” Jorge Olcina continues. “When a drought is declared, if prior adaptation measures haven't been designed , the only thing that can be applied are emergency measures to try to guarantee supply, especially in urban areas, where the law establishes priority water use.”
In Africa, cases like Somalia are alarming. In 2023, Somalia faced a devastating drought that severely impacted the country's food security. It is estimated that millions of people were affected by the lack of water and resources, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. International aid initiatives are crucial to mitigating the effects of drought in these vulnerable regions.
International Conferences and Global Engagements
During the recent COP16 held in Riyadh, nearly 200 countries met to discuss measures to combat drought, in an effort to address the critical situation globally. Despite attempts to reach a binding agreement on drought, a specific global regime was not finalized, highlighting the complexity of the problem. However, significant commitments were achieved, including the Riyadh Global Partnership for Drought Resilience , which aims to mobilize more than $12.150 billion to assist 80 of the most vulnerable countries.
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) report revealed that $1.000 billion a day is needed to combat desertification and drought until the end of this decade. Desertification, a result of human activity, affects soil health and, consequently, the food security of millions of people. Currently, droughts are estimated to impact the lives of 1.800 billion people worldwide.
Initiatives such as the Great Green Wall, which aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land in Africa, are an example of large-scale efforts. This project has mobilized significant investments for landscape restoration in the Sahel and has proven to be a model for other countries facing similar challenges.
The need for proactive measures is highlighted in the Integrated Drought Management Program , which aims to help countries develop resilient policies. For example, in northeastern Brazil, early warning systems and sustainable water management practices have been implemented, reducing the impacts of severe droughts.
Similarly, in the United States, the state of Washington activated a water scarcity plan in 2024, unlocking funds to mitigate the effects and prepare the community for reduced irrigation. These actions demonstrate the importance of planning and proactive measures in water crisis situations.
The Future in the Face of Water Scarcity
The approach to drought resilience involves not only the implementation of effective policies but also raising awareness and educating communities about the importance of water and its conservation. Younger generations play a crucial role in this regard, as they are the ones who will live with the consequences of current decisions.
Projections indicate that, without urgent action, by 2050 three out of every four people could be affected by drought. This poses a significant challenge to food security and the well-being of the world's population. International collaboration will be essential to addressing this complex and multidimensional problem.
As we move forward, it is important for each country to analyze its water resources and adopt sustainable measures that can mitigate the effects of drought. Implementing water desalination technology, rainwater harvesting, and creating efficient irrigation infrastructure are steps that can help combat this crisis.
Desertification , land degradation, and drought are interconnected problems that require a comprehensive and coordinated approach. Global initiatives, such as the negotiations under the United Nations Convention, are crucial for creating a framework that allows for an effective response to these challenges.
It is essential that communities, governments, and the private sector collaborate and commit to finding long-term solutions and strategies that ensure a more sustainable and resilient future in the face of drought. Therefore, it is not only a matter of survival, but also of prosperity for future generations.
