Today's Edition
AYSHA AHMED AL BLOOSHI
The writer is a researcher at TRENDS Research & Advisory
Water scarcity is exacerbating day by day. With over a billion people globally in need of clean drinking water and millions suffering from water shortages in the Middle East and North Africa, urgent and decisive measures are required from all countries to address this pressing challenge. It is crucial to find a solution to this crisis, as it could lead to unrest and instability, not to mention its profound impact on human wellbeing, quality of life, and public health, in addition to its contribution to the spread of disease.
For example, in the Middle East and North Africa, it is projected that the annual per capita water supply may drop below the water scarcity threshold of 500 cubic metres per person. Nearly 50 million people in the Arab region lack access to drinking water. It seems that the region needs to double its efforts to achieve universal access to drinking water by 2030, as set out by the Sustainable Development Goals agenda.
Water is the lifeblood of agriculture, food security, forests, lakes, and landscapes. Nonetheless, freshwater resources are declining at alarming rates, posing a significant challenge to sustainable development. This threat will escalate with global population growth and the repercussions of climate change. However, we have the potential to avoid or at least reduce this risk through national water strategies, awareness campaigns to reduce water consumption, sustainable water projects, and international partnerships to tackle this global challenge.
While water is a source of prosperity, it can also be a cause of conflict, tensions, and forced migration when there is scarcity in certain countries or regions or when disputes arise over water. Therefore, it is essential to prioritise cross-border cooperation in the water sector to enhance coordination among riparian countries. Additionally, joint efforts in scientific research are crucial for utilising non-conventional water sources and leveraging technological advancements in water desalination, sewage and agricultural water treatment, groundwater preservation, brackish water utilisation, and rainwater harvesting.
In light of the above, the notable significance of the pioneering Emirati step in launching the “Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative” becomes apparent.
The initiative, guided by the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aims to address the pressing challenge through a partnership with the American “XPRIZE” Foundation to launch the “XPRIZE Water Scarcity” competition, with a funding commitment of $150 million.
The primary objective is to motivate global innovators to propose effective and sustainable solutions, develop them to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of water desalination technologies, raise awareness about risks, devise innovative treatment solutions, and expand international engagement in increasing investments in mitigation technology. This underscores the initiative’s leadership in extending a call and vision to international cooperation to help the world prevent adverse impacts on human life, food security, and global security.
Due to its limited natural freshwater resources, the UAE depends on developing more sustainable water desalination technologies to meet its needs. These technologies include reverse osmosis desalination, solar-powered water purification, cloud seeding, and consumption rationalisation policies. Moreover, the country engages in efforts beyond its borders by launching water supply projects in African and Asian countries. It has accumulated substantial expertise in this domain, as it has equally in humanitarian aid, renewable energy, and various other sectors.
Amidst a global context that seems worrisome, especially with fears that climate change will exacerbate water scarcity as temperatures continue to rise and rainfall patterns change, there are widespread hopes for improving water use efficiency, rationalisation, and investment in water infrastructure.
There is also envisioned international cooperation through the exchange of expertise, technology, and funding for sustainable water projects, along with the endorsement of international agreements to ensure equitable water distribution. The “Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative” seems to be a rallying cry for action to achieve these hopes, bringing attention to this crisis and presenting effective, viable solutions to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity.
The UAE and its wise leadership remain at the global forefront of forward-thinking and foreseeing the future of the world. It focuses on current and future challenges and devises solutions and initiatives, while actively contributing to shaping the future of humanity through informed development efforts across different fields and sectors.
