Summary
This WWF report highlights the critical global water crisis and emphasises the significance of water resources. The report reveals that the annual economic value of water and freshwater ecosystems is estimated at US$58 trillion, equivalent to 60% of the global GDP. However, the report finds that the world's freshwater ecosystems are deteriorating rapidly, with one-third of wetlands lost since 1970, and an 83% drop in freshwater wildlife populations. This decline has led to water scarcity, food insecurity, and increased economic pressure, hindering efforts to combat climate change. In this report, WWF calls for increased investment in sustainable water infrastructure, emphasizing the restoration of freshwater ecosystems as the key to addressing the crisis and ensuring a resilient, nature-positive, and sustainable future for all.