Climate change affects water quantity and quality

Across the world, the decline in freshwater resources poses a serious threat to health and livelihoods. In Africa alone, it is projected that 75 million people will suffer from increased water stress due to climate change by 2020.

Clean water is essential for life, health, and livelihoods. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of droughts and floods and raise sea levels. These phenomena will make access to clean, fresh water even more difficult. Rising levels of contamination, excessive pumping of aquifers, and the degradation of watersheds worsen an already fragile situation. At the same time, pollution from industry, agriculture, and poor human waste management threatens water sources that were once considered safe.

Populations with limited access to clean water tend to reserve it for drinking and use less for handwashing or general hygiene. Dirty water and poor sanitation can lead to disease.

Water scarcity can also be a source of conflict, as communities seek to protect their reserves. It may also lead to migration, as people move in search of water.

Proper water and sanitation management is crucial. New methods and technologies should be developed to better utilize and protect water resources. Recycling and reusing water may not only become more cost-effective but also essential.

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