Half the world's 100 largest cities are in high water stress areas, analysis finds

"Half the world's 100 largest cities are experiencing high levels of water stress, with 39 of these sitting in regions of extremely high water stress, new analysis and mapping has shown. Water stress means that water withdrawals for public water supply and industry are close to exceeding available supplies, often caused by poor management of water resources exacerbated by climate breakdown."

"Separate analysis of Nasa satellite data, compiled by scientists at University College London, shows which of the largest 100 cities have been drying or getting wetter over two decades with places such as Chennai, Tehran and Zhengzhou showing strong drying trends and Tokyo, Lagos and Kampala showing strong wetting trends. All 100 cities and their trends can be viewed on a new interactive water security atlas."

Half of the world's 100 largest cities face high water stress, with 39 in regions of extremely high water stress. Withdrawals for public supply and industry are approaching or exceeding available supplies, driven by poor water management and climate change. Beijing, New York, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro and Delhi are among cities facing extreme stress; London, Bangkok and Jakarta are highly stressed. Nasa satellite data compiled by University College London scientists shows two-decade drying trends in Chennai, Tehran and Zhengzhou, and wetting trends in Tokyo, Lagos and Kampala. About 1.1 billion people live in cities experiencing strong long-term drying, compared with about 96 million in cities showing strong wetting trends.

Read at www.theguardian.com