Editorial
Water scarcity is rapidly becoming an existential crisis for humanity, exacerbated by climate change, environmental degradation, and geopolitical conflicts. The One-Water Summit in Riyadh was a crucial step in highlighting the need for global collaboration to ensure sustainable water management. By bringing together experts and data from around the world, the summit underscored the urgency of tackling water scarcity in a way that transcends national borders, politics, race, and religion. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, aptly pointed out at the UNCCD COP16 that water is essential for economic development, food security, and environmental sustainability.
The harsh reality is that a resource intended for all of humanity is being rationed and monopolized amid political conflicts. Nearly half of the world’s population faces water scarcity at some point each year, with billions lacking access to clean drinking water as contamination continues to rise. Decreasing groundwater levels, droughts, and deforestation only exacerbate the crisis. Despite the call for a $300 billion per year investment to address climate change’s effects, there has been little progress in ensuring water access in critical regions like Africa and Asia. It is also plausible that the next war in the volatile Middle East may be fought over water, as nations like Jordan and Israel vie for control of this vital resource.
Pakistan, a lower riparian state dependent on the River Indus, is particularly vulnerable to water scarcity, especially due to India’s control over upstream water flow. Alarmingly, over 22 million Pakistanis—nearly 10% of the population—lack access to potable water. Addressing this crisis requires more than just state-centric solutions. Effective water management must involve ecosystem-based approaches and the application of modern technology to ensure equitable distribution and sustainable access for all.
