Page 2 - ING-Waterproblematiek Report
P. 2
Executive summary
Water stress and flood risk pose the challenge
Page 4-6 Page 7-8 50% of world
1. Projected 2% annual demand growth for 2. One out of two countries is prone to population live in
freshwater will lead to serious constraints ‘water stress’ 7 countries that are
prone to both water
The global demand for water is expected to grow by Of the world’s 60 largest economies, 29 are prone to stress and flooding
2% annually in the coming decades. Available data water stress implying that future water demand might
point to demand meeting reliable, accessible, sustain outstrip supply. These countries account for 57% of the Page 9-11
able supply levels by 2023. By 2040 the gap between global economy and harbour the vast majority of
demand and this sustainable supply would even be several water intensive industries: 88% of coal mining, 3. At the same time, flood-prone zones need
50%. With agriculture presently consuming over 800 80% of textile production and 74% of global agriculture. better protection
litres per dollar gross value added and energy over 300, The competition for water is therefore expected to
current water usage in terms of efficiency is far from intensify beyond the traditional water-food-energy Seven countries, including the economic powerhouses
sustainable. nexus. Responsible water usage by corporations and United States, China and India, are prone to flooding as
improved water efficiency in agricultural will be key to well as water stress. It is estimated that worldwide, 600
Countries prone to water securing adequate water availability in the future. million people and their businesses, often in coastal
stress make up cities that support economic growth of those countries,
need better flood protection. There are good examples
57% of governments taking appropriate action but
partnerships with the private sector will need to be
of the global economy stepped up to find solutions that will save lives and the
significant costs of damage from floods in the future.
ING Economics Department 2 Too little, too much / December 2015
