6. Agriculture drives water use
Irrigation for crops uses 70% of the world’s freshwater, but inefficient practices often result in water wastage, pollution, and soil degradation. Unsustainable water allocations can further reduce water availability, affecting people and ecosystems. By adopting sustainable agriculture practices, including a water stewardship approach, and supporting fair water allocation policies, farmers can lower their environmental impact while maintaining productivity. These efforts will be most effective if water governing bodies ensure agricultural water use does not compromise availability for other users, including the environment—an essential priority in regions like the Rio Grande and Indus River basins.
7. Big cities, big impact:
Urban centers support dense populations and manufacturing hubs that require immense amounts of water and energy. While these cities might seem flush with water resources, the concentration of people and industry often strains resources, especially groundwater resources. They’re also increasingly vulnerable to effects of climate change. In Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Pakistan, Turkey, US and Mexico, WWF works with public & private sector partners along with civil society and communities to improve water sustainability in urban centers and supply chains. By adopting energy and water stewardship practices in industry clusters and investing in nature-based solutions to recharge groundwater, reduce vulnerability to storm impacts and saltwater intrusion, urban centers can help ensure precious water resources remain plentiful.
8. There Is hope through collective action
While the challenges are significant, solutions are within reach. Across WWF’s range of projects, from the Rio Grande to the Pantanal and the Indus, partnerships with governments, businesses, and local communities are proving that sustainable water management is possible. These efforts not only address immediate needs but also build resilience for future generations.
Taking action for freshwater
Water scarcity is a global challenge, but it’s one we can tackle together. By optimizing available water, supporting water resilient farming, restoring degraded ecosystems, and advocating for policies that prioritize sustainable water use, we can ensure this precious resource remains available for all life on Earth.