Half the world may live under "water stress" by 2030: Ban Ki-moon

10-08-2013

Xinhua

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on Tuesday warned that by 2030, half the people on Earth would be living under "water stress," a measure defined as less than 1,700 cubic meters of water available per person per year, unless action was taken.

Factbox - Regions where water disputes are fuelling tensions

Astrid Zweynert

July 23 (AlertNet) - Disputes over water are common around the world, exacerbated by climate change, growing populations, rapid urbanisation, increased irrigation and a rising demand for alternative energy sources such as hydroelectricity.

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