The Stream, June 24: Water Scarcity to Create Conflict in Middle East and Africa

Water Scarcity
Political instability and conflict between countries could develop as a result of water scarcity and competing water demands in major river basins like the Nile and the Tigris-Euphrates, according to the president of the World Water Council, Bloomberg News reported. Development of the Grand Renaissance Dam in the Nile basin and crop irrigation in the Tigris-Euphrates basin are two potential conflict points.

Delayed monsoon rains have prompted the Indian city of Rajkot to allow reservoir water to be used only for drinking, not irrigation, the Times of India reported. Seven towns near Rajkot have started to rely on water trucks for their water supplies.

Climate Change
Implementing policies to combat climate change could add between $US 1.8 trillion and $US 2.6 trillion a year to global gross domestic product by 2030, according to a report from the World Bank, the Guardian reported. The estimate takes into account benefits to public health, agriculture and job markets.

Africa
Lake Kariba, shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia, is suffering from overfishing and invasive species like the Nile tilapia and Australian crayfish, Bloomberg News reported. Commercial fisheries are declining, causing several fishing companies to go out of business.

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek