Water Stress in 2050

Water stress is measured by comparing the demand for water—across industry, agriculture, and personal use—to the available supply. When demand exceeds sustainable levels, regions face heightened risk of shortages. By 2050, billions of people could experience severe water stress as climate change, population growth, and resource mismanagement intensify the strain. Some countries will be hit harder than others, with arid climates, high consumption rates, and weak water infrastructure exacerbating the crisis. This graphic highlights the nations most at risk.