Water conflicts

Abstract

Experts have been arguing for decades that inequality in water supply can lead to serious regional conflicts. 11% of the total population lack access to water suitable for drinking. The 21st century will be the century of fights over water. The water will have the same role as the oil had in the 20th century: it will determine the stability and wealth of nations. By 2030, the climate change, the population growth, the environmental pollution and the urbanisation will result in a global water demand which will outstrip the supply by 40 percent. This will inevitably lead to conflicts that cannot be settled by negotiations.