Human Activity Disrupts Earth’s Water Cycle, Study Finds

Unprecedented human activity threatens Earth's water circulation, impacting economies, food supplies, and communities globally according to the Global Commission on the Economics of Water.

In Unprecedented Event, Human Activity Alters Earth’s Water Circulation

In an unprecedented event, human activity has altered the natural mechanics of Earth’s water circulation, culminating in significant pressures on global economies, food supply chains, and communities. This revelation comes from an extensive analysis conducted by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water. It identifies the cumulative effects of injurious land practices and mismanagement of water resources, further exacerbated by the ongoing climate crisis, which has placed the vital water cycle, essential for life’s continuity on our planet, under immense stress.

Harmful Alterations to the Water Cycle

This cycle, which involves the evaporation of water, its condensation into clouds, and the subsequent precipitation back to Earth, is enduring harmful alterations. Presently, close to three billion people are grappling with the challenges of limited water availability. Agricultural production is dwindling, and urban expanses are suffering from ground sinking as subterranean aquifers dry up.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the absence of concerted global efforts to address these issues paints a bleak picture. The crisis threatens to jeopardize over half of the earth’s food productivity and could slash national GDPs by an average of 8% by the mid-21st century, with poorer nations potentially facing devastating economic downturns of up to 15%.

Johan Rockström on the Gravity of the Situation

Johan Rockström, the co-chair of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water and co-author of the study, highlights the gravity of the current situation, noting the disruption of the global water cycle for the first time due to human intervention. The examination of the water dilemma presents an understanding of “blue water” (rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers) and “green water” (soil moisture and water stored in plants), both pivotal elements for the equilibrium of the Earth’s water system.

Impact of Human-Led Destruction

The crisis is further intensified by the human-led destruction of forests and wetlands, which naturally store carbon and are indispensable for a stable climate. The study draws a connecting line between these human-driven actions, the devastation of essential carbon reserves, and the hastening of global warming.

Stark Disparity in Water Allocation

The study also highlights the stark disparity between the amount of water recommended for a life of dignity, estimated at around 4,000 liters per day, and the significantly lower figure of 50 to 100 liters suggested by the United Nations to meet basic needs. Such a gap points to a potential future where numerous areas may face challenges in sourcing adequate water locally.

Advocacy for Collective Action

The report advocates for collective action in facing the water crisis, suggesting governments consider the water cycle a shared resource. It underscores the international linkage through common water resources and the atmosphere, which can transport moisture over great distances, influencing global weather patterns.

Reevaluating Water’s Role within the Economy

Calling for a reevaluation of water’s role within the economy, the study recommends the adoption of fair pricing to discourage excessive use, and it advises against growing water-intensive crops or building infrastructure like data centers in regions already burdened by water scarcity.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the Water Crisis

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organization and co-chair of the commission, asserts the necessity of proper water valuation to comprehend its limited availability and its comprehensive benefits. She describes the water crisis as a calamity but also as a chance to reform the economics of water.