New data published by the WRI Institute paint a bleak picture regarding the state of the water sector in the world in general and the Middle East in particular.
According to the data, 25 countries - housing a quarter of the world's population - face increasing pressure on water sources every year, and use almost all of their available water supplies.
No wonder the study points to six countries, all in the Middle East, as the most threatened in terms of water shortages: Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman and Qatar. In these countries there is a low supply of water accompanied by a high demand for domestic, agricultural and industrial use. The study states that the Middle East and North Africa is the region most prone to water shortages as already today 83% of the population is exposed to one or another water shortage.
The institute warns that if measures such as better management of the water sector, the introduction of technologies, etc. are not taken, 100% of the region's population will be exposed to water shortages by 2050. The water shortage is expected not only to harm living conditions and the economy, but also to undermine regional stability.