Safeguarding water resources in a globalized world: A science-based call for action

The availability of and access to water is of critical importance to mankind and nature, for food security, economic development and peace. But the global water system is in crisis with increasingly severe local hotspots. Climate change, population and economic growth drive the demand for more food and energy, putting pressure on water resources. Two thirds of the world’s population experience water scarcity at least one month per year, and unsustainable water use and mismanagement are widespread. The UN Sustainable Development Goals rightly call for the sustainable use of water and land for food and energy production.

Scientists from the BMBF funding measure “GRoW – Water as a Global Resource” have compiled a list of key observations based on three years of applied research in over 40 case studies from around the world – a science-based call for action to safeguard global water resources.

Further publications from this project

• GRoW (Global Resource Water) – short introduction of the projects for the kick-off conference
• GRoW (Global Resource Water) – Proceedings of the Mid-Term Conference
• GRoW (Global Resource Water) – Proceedings of the Final Conference