According to their analysis, the Middle East and North Africa regions have the highest level of water stress in the world. With climate change, “water challenges are only going to become more frequent and more intense,” said Heather Cooley, director of research for the Pacific Institute. But more and more, that’s not the case.”Drought-prone but wealthy areas are generally able to manage water stress. Water demand to irrigate rice and wheat fields is contributing to groundwater depletion in the northern region of Punjab. Share of water demand by sectorShare of total water demand 0% 100% Irrigation Industry Domestic Livestock Share of total water demand 0% 100% Irrigation Industry Domestic Livestock Share of total water demand 0% 100% Irrigation Industry Domestic Livestock Share of total water demand 0% 100% Irrigation Industry Domestic Livestock“More people demand more water, but also each person demands more water as they get wealthier,” Iceland said.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 16, 2023 14:48 UTC