77-en-Africa_and_South_Asia_Water_Crisis-2020s-Environmental_Destruction

77-en-Africa_and_South_Asia_Water_Crisis-2020s-Environmental_Destruction

Africa and South Asia Water Crisis - 2020s

In the 2020s, Africa and South Asia face severe water crises. In sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 418000000 people lack access to safe drinking water, and rapid urban population growth is straining water supply systems. In Lagos, Nigeria, as of 2023, more than 1000000000 liters of water are needed annually, but outdated infrastructure has led to frequent water shortages. In Gauteng, South Africa, droughts have reduced water supply by 20%, creating serious socio-economic impacts.

In South Asia, excessive groundwater extraction has caused 25% of Bangladesh's groundwater to be contaminated with arsenic, leading to over 10000 people suffering from poisoning and chronic diseases each year. In Ethiopia and Kenya, droughts have decreased agricultural production by more than 30%, with water prices soaring by 400%, making life increasingly difficult for impoverished communities. This crisis has forced many to relocate, with about 14000000 people across Africa displaced by climate disasters and droughts in 2021.

To address these issues, Veolia of France and BASF of Germany are introducing wastewater recycling technologies to promote sustainable water management. Additionally, the World Bank is investing 5 billion USD by 2030 to improve infrastructure and mitigate the water crisis. Glaciers on Mount Kilimanjaro and in the Rwenzori Mountains are shrinking by 0.5% annually, threatening regional rainfall patterns and agricultural output.