The following article was translated into English Version. The original article was published on December 5, 2022, and can be found on Instagram @rupapolitikid
Water, the primary source of human life, is crucial for various aspects such as drinking, sanitation, and agriculture to ensure food production. Special attention is needed to maintain the quality and quantity of water on our planet, as its role cannot be substituted by other natural resources. Despite global political issues related to war, territorial disputes, and military actions, environmental threats are gaining increased attention. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlights institutions dedicated to addressing water issues, including The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
The World Economic Forum's report reveals that annually, four billion people face water scarcity issues. It is projected that by 2025, half of the world's population will struggle to access an adequate water supply. The UN predicts that by 2050, droughts will impact 75% of the global population. A concrete example of the real threat of water scarcity is seen in Kenya, East Africa, where millions face severe hunger, and thousands of children are forced to quit school due to massive drought. UNICEF reports that over 400,000 Kenyan students have been affected by drought, with an estimated 66,000 nationwide dropouts. Additionally, the surrounding areas witness the presence of animal carcasses affected by the drought.
The Middle East is also deeply concerned about similar issues. During the COP27 conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Jean-Marc Faures, an agricultural research officer and water resources management specialist at FAO, emphasized, in an interview with Anadolu Agency, that water is the number one problem, especially in the Middle East and worldwide. He highlighted that the issue in the Middle East is not just about the availability of drinking water but also the natural availability of water for food production. This pertains to the agricultural sector, significantly impacted by climate change conditions hindering irrigation processes.
Issues Arising from Crisis Led by Scarcity
Ninety percent of global trade processes traverse oceanic regions and water channels. The current summer brings obstacles to several trade routes due to low water levels hindering ship movement. According to the World Meteorological Organization, economic damage due to drought surged by 63% in 2021 compared to the 20-year average. Scarcity and crises create new controversies, accompanied by social issues surfacing even more. For instance, increasing migration problems due to water scarcity in their places of origin. In the agricultural sector, significant impacts are observed, from irrigation obstacles to rising temperatures affecting job creation, food security, rural development, and even the country's foreign exchange.
During COP27, almost 200 countries made a historic agreement to establish a fund for "loss and damage" to assist vulnerable countries affected by climate change. However, there is still a dilemma regarding the contribution of wealthy industrialized countries in accepting the funding idea for low-income countries to address climate issues. This funding is, in essence, compensation for the impact of industrialization in these wealthy nations.
REFERENCES:
Bicer, Aysu. November 21, 2022. UN climate change conference marks small step towards justice, says EU leader. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/environment/un-climate-change-conference-marks-small-step-towards-justice-says-eu-leader/2743716
Fattah, Nour Abdel. November 17, 2022. Water scarcity threatens food security in Middle East, says UN official. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/water-scarcity-threatens-food-security-in-middle-east-says-un-official/2741181
