Financial growth at risk should water shortages worsen: World Bank
The World Bank's Patrick Verkooijen says if water shortage continues at the current rate, it will soon cause widespread instability among nations around the world.
Listen to the full bulletin below.
Verkooijen was addressing delegates in Durban during the opening of the UN World Water Summit and Expo.
"Unless action is taken soon, water will become more scare in regions where it is currently abundant. And scarcity will worsen in regions while water is short of supply," he said.
He says some people don't realise that water is a big contributor to the world's economy and a shortage of it means financial growth will be stifled.
#worldwaterday Patrick Verkooijen of the World Bank tells says the shortage of water could lead directly to instability among nations. pic.twitter.com/IMZR38kzyB
— Steve Bhengu (@SteveBhengu) March 22, 2017
"Because of this, some of these regions will see their growth rate decline by as much as 6% of their GDP by 2050. We do know that water insecurity could multiply the risk of conflict and drive migration," he said.
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Also speaking at the event, Getachew Engida from UNESCO highlighted the risks of unpurified water - saying over 300 000 children under the age of five died in 2012 worldwide due to inadequate hygiene and sanitation.
While, President Jacob Zuma called on world leaders to contribute towards efforts of conserving water.
#worldwaterday KZN Premier Willies Mchunu reads a quote that suggests that the next world war will be over water. pic.twitter.com/2U6lJfqJu3
— Steve Bhengu (@SteveBhengu) March 22, 2017