The United Nations (UN) released a report warning that although the world needs to better manage its freshwater resources, some new technologies being promoted as solutions could create “serious problems” if not properly regulated. The report, commissioned by the UN cultural agency Unesco, highlighted that approximately half of the global population is currently experiencing severe water shortages, with over 1.4 billion people affected by climate change-induced droughts between 2002 and 2021.
The report also revealed that as of 2022, more than 2 billion people did not have access to safe drinking water, and 3.5 billion lacked proper sanitation facilities. Furthermore, pollutants like pharmaceuticals, hormones, and industrial chemicals are contaminating rivers worldwide, posing additional threats to water quality.
Titled “Water for prosperity and peace,” the report emphasized the urgent need for enhanced water education, improved data collection methods, and increased investments to address the global water crisis. It also highlighted the potential drawbacks of relying too heavily on certain new technologies without proper oversight.
While acknowledging that various technologies can help enhance water supply, efficiency, and sanitation services, the report cautioned against the unchecked deployment of highly water-intensive solutions. It pointed out that emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) systems could exacerbate water scarcity issues due to the significant amounts of water required for cooling and energy consumption.
AI, for instance, has the capacity to improve river basin management, emergency responses, and the operation of water supply and wastewater treatment plants. However, the report underscored that AI systems and related technologies often demand large quantities of water for cooling computer systems, in addition to the already water-intensive energy needs for their operation.
The report also criticized some current strategies aimed at combating climate change for their excessive water consumption. Carbon capture and storage systems, which capture CO2 emissions from industries like power plants and factories, were singled out for being exceedingly energy- and water-intensive.
Energy production, including the extraction of fossil fuels and cooling of power stations, accounts for a significant portion of global water withdrawals. The report noted that while renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal power are more water-efficient, the production of lithium batteries for energy storage poses its own set of water-intensive challenges.
The extraction of lithium and other critical minerals necessary for renewable energy technologies can have detrimental impacts on water quality, particularly for groundwater, ecosystems, and local communities. The report emphasized the importance of balancing technological advancements with sustainable water management practices to ensure the long-term viability of freshwater resources. – AFP Relaxnews
