Half of the world’s 100 largest cities are in regions of high or extreme water stress, according to new analysis from Watershed Investigations and the Guardian. Meanwhile, a UN report warns of a global shift from water crisis to 'water bankruptcy,' where systems can no longer recover to historical baselines.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Key Findings:
- 39 of the world’s 100 largest cities are in areas of extremely high water stress, including Beijing, New York, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, and Delhi.
- 1.1 billion people live in cities experiencing long-term drying trends, while 96 million are in regions with increasing water availability.
- The UN defines water bankruptcy as a state of insolvency and irreversibility, where water systems cannot be restored to their original conditions.
Deeper Dive & Context
Water Stress and Climate Change
Water stress occurs when withdrawals for public supply and industry approach or exceed available resources. Climate breakdown and poor water management exacerbate the problem. NASA satellite data analyzed by University College London shows Chennai, Tehran, and Zhengzhou experiencing strong drying trends, while Tokyo, Lagos, and Kampala see increasing water availability.
Global Water Bankruptcy
The UN University Institute for Water, Environment and Health reports that many regions have moved beyond temporary water crises into a state of persistent shortage. Kaveh Madani, Director of the institute, states that 'normal' water conditions are gone in many areas, requiring urgent action to prevent further degradation.
The report highlights unequal burdens, with smallholder farmers, Indigenous Peoples, low-income urban residents, women, and youth disproportionately affected. Meanwhile, powerful actors often benefit from overuse.
Regional Impacts
Tehran is in its sixth year of drought and faces the risk of 'day zero,' where water supplies could be exhausted. Similar risks have been observed in Cape Town and Chennai in recent years. Most cities in drying zones are in Asia, particularly northern India and Pakistan, while wetting trends are concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa.
Path Forward
Madani compares water bankruptcy to financial bankruptcy, emphasizing that it is not the end of action but the start of a recovery plan. This includes stopping unsustainable practices, protecting essential services, and investing in rebuilding water systems.
An interactive water security atlas, mapping trends for all 100 cities, is now available for further exploration.