The United Nations says rising demand for clean water and energy from increasing populations will further strain the planet's limited natural resources.
In a report published for World Water Day, the U.N. says demand for energy and freshwater will present big problems in nearly all regions of the world.
The report says that as all energy production uses water, from cooling coal fired power plants to irrigation for biodiesel, it is necessary for energy companies to do more to limit its usage. The report notes that around 75 percent of all industrial water withdrawals are used for energy production.
The U.N. predicts that by 2030, the global population will need 40 percent more water and 50 percent more energy.
In a recent message to mark World Water Day, observed Saturday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said water is at the core of sustainable development and that water and energy are critical for eradicating poverty.
Around 770 million people worldwide do not have access to safe drinking water.
Some information for this report comes from AFP and Reuters.
In a report published for World Water Day, the U.N. says demand for energy and freshwater will present big problems in nearly all regions of the world.
The report says that as all energy production uses water, from cooling coal fired power plants to irrigation for biodiesel, it is necessary for energy companies to do more to limit its usage. The report notes that around 75 percent of all industrial water withdrawals are used for energy production.
The U.N. predicts that by 2030, the global population will need 40 percent more water and 50 percent more energy.
In a recent message to mark World Water Day, observed Saturday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said water is at the core of sustainable development and that water and energy are critical for eradicating poverty.
Around 770 million people worldwide do not have access to safe drinking water.
Some information for this report comes from AFP and Reuters.
