New World Bank report: High and Dry

18 May 2016

In a new report, the World Bank argues that water scarcity could cost some regions up to 6% of their GDP by 2050.

The new report “High and Dry: Climate Change, Water and the Economy” by the World Bank argues that water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, could cost some regions up to 6% of their GDP by 2050. Water-related climate risks cascade through food, energy, urban, and environmental systems. Growing populations, rising incomes, and expanding cities will converge upon a world where the demand for water rises exponentially, while supply becomes more erratic and uncertain. They will jeopardize growth prospects in the regions worst affected and in some of the poorest countries.

These challenges are not insurmountable, however, and smart policies that induce water-use efficiency, align incentives across regional and trading partners, and invest in adaptive technologies can go a long way toward reducing or eliminating these negative effects.

Read the full report here or watch the accompanying 2-minute video.