Water Resources from a Global Perspective

Abstract

Global water demands have increased at a steady pace over the past three decades with this trend set to continue. Water degradation has also worsened since the 1990s with the expectation of escalating even further, leading to increased threats to human health, the environment and sustainability. The predicted hydrological changes prompted by climate change will also add extra pressure on the sustainable management of water resources, especially within regions that are already experiencing water pressures and/or stress. Numerous regions around the world, especially in South Africa, are already experiencing varying degrees of water stress and facing severe water shortages moving towards 2050. Water availability, demand and quality are all interconnected and should be considered as a whole when evaluating the current state and future of freshwater resources on a global, regional and local scale. Freshwater challenges can be transformed into net positives if all mentioned stakeholders open opportunities for discussing water policies and/or agreements, increasing monitoring networks and sharing data as well as creating water diplomacy which can promote cooperation rather than conflict.