Lakes disappearing, wells running dry and rivers never reaching the sea. The world’s shortage of freshwater results largely from our pumping too much groundwater. Some of the great rivers of the world are on their way to drying up or shrinking radically. Examples include the Colorado, the Indus, the Ganges and the Yellow River.
For much of the world’s population, water is a scarce good that must be used sparingly. Over a billion people lack clean drinking water.
By 2030, almost half of the population of the Earth will live in areas with a shortage of water due to climate change, irresponsible water policy and a growing population.