Water Scarcity Facts that Every Farmer Should Know
As the climate continues to change and as the global population continues to increase, vital natural resources that were once taken for granted are now at risk of being irreparably depleted. Global supplies of freshwater, in particular, are in dire jeopardy. And we’re not talking about some comfortably distant time in the far-off future here, either. The risk of a global water crisis is one that society is facing in the here and now.
If you’re the owner of a small farming operation or ag business, you’ve probably also wondered about the current state of global freshwater supplies. How serious is the water crisis? Is now the time to speak to an agricultural loan officer and invest in solutions like desalination technology? This article will walk you through the most important things that you need to know.
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Modern Water Crisis
A global water crisis is a very real threat, and yet it’s not a topic that’s frequently discussed in many farming or agricultural circles today.
Here are four statistics that every farmer should know:
- It’s estimated that more than two-thirds of the world’s population will be faced with water shortages by 2025.
- According to a 2019 report from the World Resources Institute, 17 countries around the world are now facing “extremely high water stress”.
- More than 579 million people around the world are being forced to drink unsanitary water from ponds, lakes, rivers, hand-dug wells, etc.
- As many as 700 million people could be displaced as a consequence of water scarcity by 2030.
The Future of the Water Crisis Is in Our Hands
These facts and figures are stark, but they do not necessarily need to be a cause for doom and gloom. Rather, they should be treated as a sobering wake-up call. It’s estimated that as much as 70% of the global freshwater supply goes towards farming and agriculture, which means that a significant amount of water can be saved if individual farmers are able to adopt more sustainable practices.
If you’re curious about starting a small farm aimed at water sustainability, speaking with an agricultural loan officer is a great place to start.
Talk to an Agricultural Loan Officer Today!
Our agricultural loan officers are standing by to walk you through everything that you need to know about securing a loan for your small farm. Contact our office today to get started!