Projected 30% Increase in Water Shortage in Central Asia by 2050
Water scarcity in Central Asia is expected to worsen by 2050, with a projected increase of 25-30 percent in water shortage. This alarming prediction was revealed by Secretary of the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan, Marat Imankulov, citing data from the World Bank during the international conference “Hydro resource deficit in Central Asia: Ways to solve water problems at the regional and international levels.”
As the region’s population is set to reach 90 million people, the demand for irrigation water is also expected to rise by 2030. This rapid increase in water needs could have detrimental effects on economic indicators and the income levels of citizens, according to Imankulov.
Currently, Central Asian countries are already experiencing significant economic losses, with up to $2 billion being lost annually due to water scarcity and inefficient water resource management, as reported by the United Nations.
The looming water crisis in Central Asia highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts at both regional and international levels to address water scarcity and ensure sustainable water management practices for the future. As countries in the region grapple with these challenges, proactive measures and innovative solutions will be crucial in mitigating the impacts of water scarcity on both the environment and the livelihoods of millions of people in Central Asia.
