World Water Development Report 2019: Leaving No One Behind

A report by UNESCO on behalf of UN-Water, notes the 2018 edition of the World Water Development Report (WWDR 2018) seeks to inform policy and decision-makers, inside and outside the water community, about the potential of nature-based solutions (NBS) to address contemporary water management challenges across all sectors, and particularly regarding water for agriculture, sustainable cities, disaster risk reduction and water quality. hat “water use has been increasing worldwide by about 1% per year since the 1980s,” due to population growth, economic development, and evolving consumption patterns.  Water demand is expected to increase 20-30% above current levels by 2050.  Agriculture, with 69% of global water withdrawals, will remain the largest user, although total share of water use is likely to fall.  Over 2 billion people live in countries with high water stress, and some 4 billion people experience severe water scarcity for at least one month per year.  Levels of water stress are likely to increase.  “Improving water resource management and providing access to safe and affordable drinking water for all is essential for eradicating poverty, building peaceful and prosperous societies, and ensuring that no one is left behind on the road to sustainable development. These goals are entirely achievable, provided there is a collective will to do so.”