Five billion could face water shortage by 2050
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The UN World Meteorological Organisation has warned that more than five billion people could have inadequate access to water by 2050
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Global water stress hotspots
                                                                             
Western North America
Western South America
Mediterranean Sahel
Northern Horn of Africa
Southern Africa
Southern Asia
Middle East Southeast Australia
Eastern Asia
Central Asia
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Regions with highest level of water stress (2018)
Northern Africa 109%
Central Asia 80%
Southern Asia 78%
Western Asia 60%
Eastern Asia 46%
World 18%

Number of people with inadequate access to water* (billions)

Water stress occurs when demand for safe, usable water exceeds available amount

More than 5.0 (expected by 2050)
3.6 (2018)

*For at least one month per year
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Sources: AFP, FAO, WMO Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS