"Arab World Faces Worsening Water Crisis: Report"

"The Arab world, one of the driest regions on the planet, will tip into severe water scarcity as early as 2015, a report issued [Nov. 4] predicts.

By then, Arabs will have to survive on less than 500 cubic meters of water a year each, or below a tenth of the world average of more than 6,000 cubic meters per capita, said the report by the Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED).

"The Arab world is already living a water crisis that will only get worse with inaction," the report says, adding per capita supply has plunged to only a quarter of its 1960 level.

Rapid population growth will further stress water resources. According to U.N. projections, the Arabs, who now number almost 360 million, will multiply to nearly 600 million by 2050."

Alistair Lyon reports for Reuters November 4, 2010.

SEE ALSO:

"Arab Apathy Leads To Middle East Water Apocalypse" (Green Prophet)

"Arab Water Apocalypse, Now" (IDN InDepthNews)

"Arabs Face Severe Water Crisis by 2015" (UPI)