Water Scarcity and Climate Stress Dried and dying lake Water scarcity is one of the most pressing challenges exacerbated by climate change. As global temperatures rise and precipitation patterns shift, freshwater resources become increasingly scarce, threatening ecosystems, agriculture, and human livelihoods. Water stress is particularly severe in arid and semi-arid regions, where water demand often exceeds supply, and climate change intensifies existing vulnerabilities. This section examines the drivers of water scarcity, the role of climate change, and its socio-economic and environmental consequences. The Growing Demand for Water and Declining Freshwater Resources The global demand for freshwater has been rising steadily due to population growth, urbanization, and agricultural expansion. Agriculture alone accounts for approximately 70% of global freshwater withdrawals, driven by the need to irrigate crops and support livestock (World Bank, 2021). Industrial activities and dome...
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