Signal Half of humanity under seasonal water stress, 1.8 billion in absolute scarcity

Summary

About half the world's people live under water stress for at least one month a year and 1.8 billion face absolute scarcity, with population growth and urbanisation pressing on basins that are already over-drawn.

Classification

Main topicResources, Food & Water

Secondary topicsDemographics & Migration

Region menusGlobal

Impactscope:global

Time horizon0-3 years (2026-07-25)

Last updated2026-07-29 04:49:52

Evidence 1

Top Risks 2026 Eurasia Group page=36;section=Top Risk #10: The water weapon 2026-01 accessed 2026-07-25

Part of trends 1

TrendThe water weapon8 signals

Directly linked issues 0

No objects.

Relation types: supports

Public id: fm-ef9cc266ac0f