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needs to be actively engaged in current and future discussions – not only due
to self-interest in ensuring future production, but also because of the sector’s
responsibility as a major economic player.
2.2 Our Global Water Challenge
Freshwater – the source of life – is unevenly distributed around the globe.
Every locality has its own hydrological cycle that depends on a variety of natural
factors, yet the problems facing water resources globally are human-made.
Demographic growth, economic development, and climate change are accelerating
the pressure on our renewable but finite water resources – especially in
arid regions.
In the last century, our
global water use has
increased at more than
twice the rate of the
population.
In the last century, our global water use has increased at more than twice the
rate of the population 5 . Though the United Nations made access to safe drinking
water a Millennium Development Goal (MDG) in 2000 6 and recognised
access to water and sanitation as a human right in 2010 7 , life-sustaining and
water-supplying ecosystems continue to be destroyed. Already today, billions
of more people will be living in regions with high water risk. Whether food,
energy, or industrial goods and services – each individual requires more than
ever before, which places tremendous pressure on water resources. Already
today, increasing competition on local water resources directly impacts companies,
governments, people, and nature. Coupled with increasing global temperatures,
water risks will continue to grow.
Global water facts
2.7 billion people currently live in catchments that experience severe water shortages
for at least one month annually 8 ; 783 million people do not have access to clean
water 9 .
Globally, around 50% of the wetlands that existed in 1900 were lost in the 20th
century. Europe’s wetlands declined by 60% in that period 10 .
Global water demand will increase by 55% between 2000 and 2050 mainly due to
manufacturing (+400%), electricity (+140%), and domestic use (+130%) 11 .
Intensive water consumption will aggravate stream-flow drought conditions by
10–30% in southern, western, and central Europe, and to a lesser extent also in the
United Kingdom 12 .
Global freshwater ecosystem health declined by 37% between 1970 and 2008 – more
than for any other biome 13 .
Globally, total freshwater withdrawals increased by about 1% per year between 1987
and 2000; it is assumed that this trend has continued since then at a similar rate 14 .
Groundwater supplies are diminishing - an estimated 20% of the world’s aquifers are
overexploited 15 .
Research shows that every €0.79 invested in water infrastructure can deliver nearly
€3.94 of wider economic benefits over the long term 16 .
Renewable water resources are projected to decrease by at least 20% for an additional
7% of the global population with each degree of warming 17 .
THE IMPORTED RISK Germany’s Water Risks in Times of Globalisation | 9