New WRI Report Reveals World's Freshwater Systems In Peril
A report released by the World Resources Institute (WRI) reveals the world's freshwater systems are so degraded their ability to support human, plant and animal life is greatly in peril. As a result, many freshwater species are facing rapid population decline or extinction, and an increasing number of people will face serious water shortages.
The report, "Pilot Analysis of Global Ecosystems (PAGE): Freshwater Systems," says while many regions of the world have ample freshwater supplies, four out of every 10 people currently live in river basins which are experiencing water scarcity. By 2025, at least 3.5 billion people, or nearly 50% of the world's population, will face water scarcity.