Considering the current water crisis in the world, we have prepared a list of 10 countries that will run out of water in 20 years.
Lack of adequate water resources, inequitable distribution and water wastage mean that the water crisis does not only exists, but is in fact, prevalent around the globe. Despite the fact that a large portion of the Earth is covered with water, only 2.5% of that is deemed fresh and suitable for direct human use. But not all of this is available, as much of it is confined to snowfields and glaciers, meaning that only a meager 1% is present in convenient locations. Though certain countries are blessed with extensive drainage features and are ensured a certain amount of rainfall or melting of snow every year, which replenishes them, many face widespread drought and extreme water scarcity, of which we have mentioned ten on our list.
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Surprisingly, climate change is also responsible for this water crisis to a great extent. Increasing temperatures means that the rate of evaporation is rising, causing droughts. Another problem resulting from this is that precipitation will most likely be in the form of rain instead of snow. Although this might not seem like a problem, the reality is that heavy rains mean that reservoirs quickly fill up to their full capacity and much of the water is lost as run-off, whereas snowfall means that water can be gradually obtained as snow melts. Of course due to the severe climate changes, some countries will face the problem from the other side of the spectrum – too much water. If you are interested to read about this serious issue as well, take a look at the 10 countries that will be underwater due to global warming.
To compile our list of countries that will run out of water in 20 years, we took the countries with the highest expected water stress levels as projected by the World Resources Institute. They have been calculated with the help of average withdrawals and supply of the respective countries, 1 being the lowest and 5 indicating extremely high. Although several developed countries like Singapore and Israel have high water stress levels as per our source, we have excluded them for they are stable economies and have sufficient resources to deal with their water shortages. As stated in the Seametrics Blog, a water crisis is not defined by a mere lack of water within the country, but is determined more by the economic resources required to meet demand. Therefore, the economic conditions of countries have also been taken into consideration. Furthermore, we did extensive research on the water shortage in each of the countries, to establish their positions on the list.
Now let’s move on to the list of countries that will run out of water in 20 years.
10. Azerbaijan
Expected Water Stress Level: 4.69
The water problem in Azerbaijan arises primarily from the military conflicts in the region with Armenia. A number of water resources are under Armenian control which poses problems for the country. Moreover, it receives little rain, and droughts are felt even more deeply because of its warm climate.
9. Macedonia
Expected Water Stress Level: 4.70
A considerable fraction of Macedonia’s water scarcity is due to water pollution. Roughly 43% of rural areas have a problem with the hygiene of the drinking water available to them. Moreover, poor management by the government when it comes to water means that a severe water crisis is not far in Macedonia’s future.
8. Yemen
Expected Water Stress Level: 4.74
Yemen is yet another country where the water problem is attributable to a political maelstrom. Indeed, as Al Arabiya states, “Yemen water crisis may be ‘bigger problem than war“. Not only are citizens facing war, but 13 million Yemenis i.e. 50% of the population have to bend over backwards in a grueling search for water.
7. Libya
Expected Water Stress Level: 4.77
We are continuing our list of countries that will run out of water in 20 years with Libya. Although it’s abundant in oil reserves, it has a high demand for water and few reserves to manage it. As stated in TheNewArab, annual replenishment of its groundwater resources is estimated at 250 million cubic meters, whereas the demand is far above that, at almost 1 billion cubic meters. The reason that this particularly poses a threat is because Libya has an arid climate with little annual rainfall to depend on.
6. Jordan
Expected Water Stress Level: 4.86
As stated by the Mercy Corps, extremely poor water distribution in Jordan means that the country is squandering its already meager water supply. The influx of Syrian refugees into Jordan in an attempt to find sanctuary is putting further pressure on it to deal with its dangerously escalating water problem.
5. Iran
Expected Water Stress Level: 4.91
Millions face imminent dehydration in Iran due to a multitude of issues stemming from mismanagement and environmental impediments. The root cause of the water scarcity, however, is undoubtedly a big population growth rate that the country’s resources are unable to cope with. What is ironic is that Iran was once the “pioneer of sustainable water management”, as stated in the TehranTimes.
4. Kyrgyzstan
Expected Water Stress Level: 4.93
The fourth spot on our list of the 10 countries that will run out of water in 20 years is taken up by Kyrgyzstan. Lack of governmental response in addressing this problem and an astounding problem of wastage means that water resources are fast being used up, and unless solutions are implemented, Kyrgyzstan will face a dangerous water crisis in coming years. As stated by the Silk Road Reporters, the average person in Kyrgyzstan uses 70,630 cubic feet of water annually, which is almost twice that of the United States.
3. Oman
Expected Water Stress Level: 4.97
The water problem in Oman that ranks 3rd in our list of countries that will run out of water in 20 years has been around for a while now, but the government has failed to take any concrete steps towards tackling the issue head on. Desalination plants have been in the works since the 1980s, but indecisiveness and inefficiency have hindered their construction. As a result, the problem has intensified, and the citizens face the consequences.
2. Lebanon
Expected Water Stress Level: 4.97
Climate change has struck in Lebanon, which has received less than expected annual rainfall for the third time running. This, coupled with the hot weather and maladministration, have all contributed towards the water crisis prevalent in Lebanon. More importantly, the situation in the country is so turbulent that basic resources like water are politicized. Meanwhile, families in Lebanon are stocking up water supplies in fear of the future.
1. Palestine
Expected Water Stress Level: 5.00
It comes as no surprise that Palestine tops our list of the 10 countries that will run out of water in 20 years. According to the BBC, Israel uses 80% of water from the West Bank’s mountain aquifer, leaving an insufficient 20% for the Palestinians. Moreover, illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank are given more than thrice as much water than the Palestinians. Although Israel too faces a water scarcity, the problem is infinitely worse for the Palestinians, many of whom are denied the minimum amount of water required for survival. Shared water resources need to be fairly divided between the two by an impartial body, otherwise the Palestine’s water problem will skyrocket in coming years.
