Water bankruptcy: U.N. scientists say much of the world is irreversibly depleting water

A U.N. report warns that many rivers, lakes and aquifers are being depleted beyond recovery and notes around 3 billion people and more than half of global food production are concentrated where water resources are declining.

U.N. scientists have published a report saying the world has entered an era of "global water bankruptcy." The authors describe widespread, long-term losses of rivers, large lakes and underground aquifers. They attribute much of the decline to heavy agricultural water use and long-term groundwater pumping. The report frames these losses as beyond the temporary emergencies often called "water crises." Key findings: - The report states many rivers, large lakes and major aquifers have been pushed past tipping points and cannot bounce back. - About 3 billion people, and more than half of global food production, are concentrated in areas where water resources are in decline. - Agriculture accounts for roughly 70% of water use, and long-term groundwater declines and land subsidence are reported across large areas (about 2.3 million square miles). Summary: The report warns that continued depletion of water resources can lead to economic disruption, displacement and impacts on food production in affected regions. Undetermined at this time.