The months of January and February this year were characterized by rainfall, which temporarily eased water shortages in some regions. Nevertheless, water stress is a serious and persistent global problem.

Water stress occurs when demand for water exceeds available resources, the quality of available water does not meet demand or water use is impaired. This condition is also increasingly influenced by man-made factors.

According to the World Resources Institute’s Aqueduct Project, at least 50% of the world’s population – around 4 billion people – live under severe water stress for at least one month a year. Global hotspots of water stress can be found in regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and parts of the USA and Australia. But Europe is not spared either. Countries such as Spain, Italy and even parts of Germany are experiencing periods of significant water stress, exacerbated by factors such as overuse, climate change and population growth.

What can we do? From raising awareness and educating people about water use in everyday life to promoting sustainable practices in agriculture and supporting innovative solutions in water management, tackling water stress requires collective action.