UN chief warns of serious clean water shortages by 2050

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that by 2050 global demand for fresh water is projected to grow by more than 40 per cent and at least a quarter of the world's population will live in countries with a chronic or recurrent lack of clean water. 

Speaking at the Security Council yesterday,Mr.Guterres said strains on water access are



already rising in all regions. Noting that three quarters of the 193 UN member states share rivers or lake basins with their neighbours, he said water, peace and security are inextricably linked. 

UN chief said the United Nations is ready to engage in preventive diplomacy to keep the competition for water from sparking conflicts.