Latest news with #waterscarcity
Free Malaysia Today
02-07-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Most world heritage sites at risk of drought or flooding, says UN
Water scarcity around India's Taj Mahal is worsening pollution and depleting groundwater, both of which are damaging the mausoleum. (EPA Images pic) PARIS : Almost three quarters of the globe's cultural and natural heritage sites are threatened by too little or too much water, the UN's cultural agency said today. As a result of rising temperatures, extreme weather events including hurricanes, droughts, floods and heatwaves have become more frequent and intense, scientists warn. Seventy-three percent of all 1,172 non-marine sites on the Unesco Heritage List are exposed to at least one severe water risk – including water stress, drought, river flooding or coastal flooding, Unesco said. 'Water stress is projected to intensify, most notably in regions like the Middle East and North Africa, parts of South Asia and northern China – posing long-term risks to ecosystems, cultural heritage, and the communities and tourism economies that depend on them,' it added. Cultural sites were most commonly threatened by water scarcity, while more than half of natural sites faced the risk of flooding from a nearby river, the Unesco study showed. In India, the Taj Mahal monument in Agra, for example, 'faces water scarcity that is increasing pollution and depleting groundwater, both of which are damaging the mausoleum,' the study said. In the US, 'in 2022, a massive flood closed down all of Yellowstone National Park and cost over US$20 million in infrastructure repairs to reopen.' The report gave four more examples. Iraq's southern marshes – the reputed home of the biblical Garden of Eden – 'face extremely high water stress, where over 80% of the renewable supply is withdrawn to meet human demand', it added. And competition for water is expected to increase in the marshes, where migratory birds live and inhabitants raise buffalo, as the region grows hotter in coming years. On the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Victoria Falls – originally called Mosi-oa-Tunya ('the smoke that thunders') before it was renamed by Scottish explorer David Livingstone – has faced recurring drought and is sometimes reduced to a trickle. In Peru, the pre-Colombian city of Chan Chan and its delicate 1,000-year-old adobe walls face an extremely high risk of river flooding, Unesco said. In China, rising sea levels driven in large part by climate change are leading to coastal flooding, which destroys mudlands where migratory waterbirds find food, it added.
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan, USAID launch workshop on National Water Carrier preparatory infrastructure
AMMAN — Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud and Deputy Director of the Office of Water Resources and Environment at USAID in Amman Ashley King on Tuesday inaugurated a workshop focused on water resource challenges and the ongoing preparatory infrastructure for the National Water Carrier Project. Speaking at the event, Abu Soud stressed that Jordan is facing increasing water scarcity, exacerbated by a weak rainfall season and the growing impact of climate change. Despite these pressures, he said, the ministry remains committed to ensuring the delivery of water to citizens throughout the Kingdom. The National Water Carrier Project is Jordan's largest infrastructure project and one of the most ambitious internationally. It involves constructing a large-scale desalination plant in Aqaba, with an annual capacity of 300 million cubic metres. The project will feature a state-of-the-art seawater intake system along the Gulf of Aqaba, paired with a cutting-edge reverse osmosis plant to convert seawater into potable water. It will also include a 450-kilometre water transmission system to Amman, along with high-capacity pumping stations and renewable energy components. It aims to generate 31 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Abu Soud noted that the preparatory infrastructure project involves constructing transmission lines and primary storage tanks in Amman and the northern governorates. These are designed to support the eventual integration of additional water resources from the National Water Carrier Project, a major strategic initiative to bolster Jordan's water security, the minister said. Abu Soud expressed appreciation for USAID's 'long-standing' partnership with Jordan's water sector, which has spanned over 75 years. He highlighted recent achievements, including a 7.5 per cent reduction in water loss bringing the national loss rate to 46.2 per cent and a savings of around 15 million cubic meters of water, contributing to improved supply in multiple governorates. King commended the project's progress and reiterated USAID's commitment to supporting Jordan's water sector. She stressed the urgency of preparing the infrastructure to ensure timely and effective water delivery once the carrier project becomes operational. The year 2030 may seem distant, but it is not, she said, noting the importance of addressing challenges now to secure future water availability. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The Guardian
17-06-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
Forests, fires and footings: Earth Photo award winners
Out of 1,582 entries, a judging panel made up of experts from the fields of photography, film, geography and environment selected the Earth Photo 2025 shortlist: 195 images and 8 videos by 40 photographers and film-makers from around the world. In this image by Skander Khlif, a boy plays on a dam in the Beja region of Tunisia, where, according to local organisations, water levels have been critically low for several years, highlighting the ongoing struggle against water scarcity A Ticuna man stands by the side of a 500-year-old ceiba tree in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. The tree has lines that mark where the water level reaches during the rainy season, which runs from April to May. This photograph was taken in May 2024 and by that time, the level should be at the maximum, however, the rains were scarce due to climate change One of the deepest open pit copper mines in the world, this abandoned miners' town has a cemetery that is gradually being subsumed by mineral ore extraction. We see the vastness of Chuquicamata, and the marks we make on the natural world, telling a story of unsustainable mining practices fuelled by increased global demand for copper 'driven by its role as a critical primary element in the transition to renewable energy' From the series Carcass of the Ice Beast, The Icebreaker Project is a photograph taken of the Rhone Glacier in Switzerland. In 2009, thermally reflective blankets were used to slow its melting, covering five acres to deflect infrared radiation. 'Today, these coverings hang in tatters, like the torn skin of a dying giant,' Liam Man explains. By anthropomorphising the glacier, the photographer invites us to 'bear witness to the cryosphere's beauty and its vulnerability' Mike Seddon, Forestry England chief executive: 'As the profound changes our planet faces come ever closer in our awareness and our lives, the winning images and films from this year's Earth Photo show these shifts starkly, creatively and beautifully. Visitors to the nation's forests will have a chance to see and respond to many of these deeply moving images as the exhibition tours the country. And set in the heart of woodlands and forests that we are caring for, each image shines a light on the diversity, fragility and interconnectedness of our world' This image, taken in Larache, Morocco, captures a turning point where nature and human impact collide: a forest once used for leisure and reflection, now consumed by fire. Chorrib's work invites viewers to confront humanity's role in ecological degradation and calls for urgent, collective action to safeguard what remains Yurok tribal members and biologists Oshun O'Rourk and Yadao Inong set up rotary screw traps with technicians on the Trinity River in Willow Creek, California. The team uses these traps to capture live fish for the annual disease assessment and to study migration patterns. For centuries, the Klamath Basin has been the cultural and ecological heart of the Yurok tribe, who identify as 'Indians of the river and coast' Footings on a bog used to harvest turf for domestic use. Using a combination of 'topographical mapping and metaphorical exploration', Hynan's project reflects on the legacy of industrial peat harvesting, and recent tensions between traditional turf cutting practices and the need to restore and protect fragile peatland ecosystems Documenting the shift from large-scale extraction to conservation efforts and the establishment of renewable energy sites, Hynan's work reveals how communities are redefining their relationship with bogland. He invites viewers to consider the bog not only as a living archive of history but as a vital site for climate action and cultural renewal in the present Earth Photo reflects our common interest in enabling a better understanding of the world around us A selection of outstanding photography and film projects were chosen as the Earth Photo 2025 award winners. After the Royal Geographic Society exhibition, Earth photo 2025 will be touring to Forestry England sites, as well as the Sidney Nolan Trust, and locations across the UK
Arab News
07-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia leads bold transformation to tackle water scarcity
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is confronting one of the world's most urgent environmental challenges: water scarcity. Faced with limited natural freshwater resources and a rapidly expanding population, the Kingdom is taking decisive steps to secure water availability for future generations. Central to this ambitious transformation is a strategic focus on the 'Three As' of water management: availability, accessibility, and affordability. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has become a global leader in water desalination, investing heavily in cutting-edge technologies and large-scale infrastructure projects. These efforts are not only reshaping the nation's water landscape but also setting an example for other arid regions grappling with similar issues. Speaking to Arab News, Tariq Nada, executive vice president of the Center of Excellence at ACWA Power, highlighted the Kingdom's dominant role in the water sector. 'The Kingdom's current desalinated water supply capacity stands at over 12 million m3/day with a target to reach approximately 20 million m3/day by 2030,' Nada explained. He further noted: 'As of 2024, the Kingdom had committed $6.28 billion in ongoing projects focused on water distribution, water treatment plants, wastewater collection projects and wastewater treatment plants.' Nick Strange, principal at Arthur D. Little, pointed out Saudi Arabia's massive achievements over the past five decades. 'The country plans to more than double its desalination capacity to around 20 million m³/d by 2030. New mega plants are under development in strategic locations including the Eastern Province, Makkah, Jazan and Madinah (regions). In parallel, the transmission network will also be expanded in scale and reach to accommodate the growing demand and new production hubs,' he told Arab News. Strange added: 'However, the Kingdom is not relying on desalination alone. Recognizing the importance of water sustainability, Saudi Arabia is also accelerating efforts in wastewater treatment and reuse. Current treated water capacity is 6-7 million m³/d, with approximately 30 percent being utilized.' Saudi Arabia's approach includes deploying advanced, energy-efficient technologies such as reverse osmosis systems and integrating renewable energy sources into desalination and wastewater treatment plants. Meanwhile, the reuse of treated wastewater is gaining momentum as part of a wider push for sustainable resource management. Public-private partnerships have been instrumental in driving this transformation, accelerating investments and expediting the development of critical infrastructure. Nicolas Boukhalil, PwC Middle East's energy, resources and sustainability deals leader, emphasized the benefits of opening the sector to international competition. • Saudi Arabia is poised to make major strides in water infrastructure, innovation, and resource management — key to securing supplies, boosting the economy, and advancing Vision 2030. • Saudi Arabia's approach includes deploying advanced, energy-efficient technologies such as reverse osmosis systems and integrating renewable energy sources into desalination and wastewater treatment plants. 'These partnerships are introducing new technology, improving efficiency, and making water more affordable for homes, businesses, and farmers alike. The result: a more sustainable financial model that eases pressure on public budgets and supports long-term economic growth,' he said. He also stressed the importance of distribution networks, stating, 'Producing water is only half the battle, getting it where it's needed is just as critical. That's why major investments are also going into water transmission networks, storage reservoirs, and smart management systems.' Hani Tohme, partner and Middle East and Africa sustainability lead at Kearney, shed light on the current wastewater situation. 'Saudi Arabia treats over 6.5 million cubic meters of municipal wastewater each day, yet only around 25 percent of that is reused, with wastewater network coverage reaching approximately 65 percent,' he said. The National Water Strategy aims to boost treatment and reuse significantly by 2030 — targeting treatment of up to 10 million cubic meters daily and reuse rates of 70 percent. Tohme explained: 'This enables groundwater preservation, supports industrial and agricultural reuse, and reduces dependency on energy-intensive desalination — which still provides 60 percent of urban water supply today.' Enhancing water security Saudi Arabia's expansion of desalination and water purification is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, reinforcing national water security and the Kingdom's broader transformation goals. Nada from ACWA Power sees investment in advanced desalination as a critical response to water scarcity that also promotes economic growth through job creation and industry development. 'Since its inception, ACWA Power has consistently been an early adopter of new technologies, in full cooperation and collaboration with the full ecosystem, led by KSA Water offtaker, SWPC, achieving 87 percent reduction in specific power consumption over the last decade. This commitment to innovation is reflected in the company's ongoing efforts to integrate sustainable and cost-effective water solutions,' Nada said. From Arthur D. Little's perspective, these initiatives boost economic diversification and elevate Saudi firms globally. The Kingdom's current desalinated water supply capacity stands at over 12 million m3/day with a target to reach approximately 20 million m3/day by 2030. Tariq Nada, executive vice president of the Center of Excellence at ACWA Power 'For businesses, this presents significant opportunities across engineering, clean technology, and supply chain localization — while for the nation, it reinforces resilience, global competitiveness, and leadership in addressing one of the 21st century's most pressing challenges: the sustainable management of water,' Strange explained. PwC also notes the alignment between the Kingdom's water strategy and Vision 2030's goals of economic diversification and sustainability. 'As global demand for desalination and sustainable water solutions rises, Saudi Arabia has the tools, talent, and ambition to become a world leader in water technology, creating new revenue streams while solving a shared global issue,' Boukhalil said. Kearney's Tohme emphasized the wastewater sector's growing role in attracting private investment. 'For businesses, this creates significant opportunities in EPC contracting, localization of technologies including membrane technologies, operations and maintenance, and treated water offtake agreements, particularly in industrial zones and giga developments,' he said. Evolution of water purification In 2025, Saudi Arabia is poised to make major strides in water infrastructure, innovation, and resource management — key to securing supplies, boosting the economy, and advancing Vision 2030. Highlighting upcoming developments, Nada said: 'In 2025, we anticipate an increased integration of renewable energy, with water desalination plants increasingly powered by solar energy and battery energy storage systems, further reducing their environmental impact and operational costs.' He added: 'We also expect to see a rise in the deployment of advanced membrane technologies, where next-generation membrane technologies will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of RO plants, reducing energy consumption and increasing water recovery rates.' Nada also pointed to the role of digital technologies: 'Digital technologies, such as AI, including machine learning, (will) enable real-time monitoring, optimization, and predictive maintenance of water purification plants.' Kearney's Tohme foresees three major shifts by 2025. He expects accelerated deployment of decentralized purification plants in underserved and remote areas, adoption of digital twins and predictive maintenance technologies to reduce operational costs and non-revenue water, and the strategic integration of treated water into agriculture and district cooling systems. He concluded: 'These trends are not just technical — they enhance Saudi Arabia's economic resilience by separating water supply from climate stress.'
Wall Street Journal
06-06-2025
- Science
- Wall Street Journal
The World Is Running Out of Clean Water. This Technology Promises to Fix It.
Half of all people on earth experience severe water scarcity at least one month out of the year, according to the UN. A radical new kind of desalination technology is finally on the cusp of helping to slake the world's thirst. The pitch: Put desalination plants on the ocean floor.
