Global crisis in water management: Can a second UN Water Conference help?

Unlike the current mainstream view, world is not facing a water crisis because of a physical lack of this resource but due to decades of poor water management. The two views are very different: solutions are also very different. A renewable resource like water can be used and wastewater can be collected, treated and reused again. With good management, this virtuous cycle can continue indefinitely. Global water resources are enough not only for now but also for 2100, when world population will be 10.9 billion and levels of socioeconomic development will be significantly higher. Consider Colorado River Basin which is now facing unprecedented shortages. Basin is suffering from 19th-century water laws and 20th-century water infrastructure and water allocation and management practices. Not surprisingly, it cannot meet 21st-century demands and uncertainties. Water use everywhere in the world can be very significantly reduced for agricultural, industrial and domestic purposes. Can 2nd UN Water Conference help? See our views.

By Asit K. Biswas and Cecilia Tortajada, 2023. Editorial pubished in River . DOI: 10.1002/rvr2.40

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