On the Verge of a New Water Scarcity: A Call for Good Governance and Human Ingenuity

Abstract

In spite of the fact that physical water scarcity is a dire reality for millions of people, it is still not properly understood nor recognised in many front-line discussions. An unfortunate con- fusion regarding growing physical water scarcity distorts policy formulation and effective action programmes. The scale and magnitude of the challenge imply that “water scarcity will be everybody’s business.” This policy brief, On the Verge of a New Water Scarcity, looks closer into the issue, offers a set of distinc- tions and concludes with structured policy suggestions.