Issue Water demand rises exponentially while supply turns volatile

Summary

The Megatrends 2040 report expects the combined pressure of demographic imbalances, rising consumerism and continued urbanisation to drive water demand up exponentially while supply becomes more volatile and uncertain. Over-irrigation already shrinks available water and harms the environment. Worldwide, almost 70% of water pumped from surface and underground reservoirs goes to irrigation, and in Greece the figure reaches 80-85%. Between 40% and 60% of irrigation water, depending on the area, is lost to network leaks or wasted through poor practices and lack of planning. The report calls for better water resource management, new consumption patterns and modern scientific tools to prevent further strain on aquifers.