Global Struggles Over Water Continue to Intensify

Water is one of the world’s most essential yet limited resources. Throughout history, access to and control of water supplies have caused conflicts between nations and communities.

Today, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), nearly half of the global population faces severe water scarcity.

Data from the Pacific Institute indicate that at least 1,057 water-related conflicts have been recorded over the past 22 years, including 202 reported during the last two years alone.

UNICEF also reported that by the end of 2022, nearly 18 million people — half of them children — lacked access to basic drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

Several studies indicate that Iraq continues to suffer the consequences of decades of armed conflict, compounded by a severe water crisis affecting millions of people. In the Middle East, water access also remains a major source of tension between Israel and Palestine.Source: UNICEF and Pacific Institute