Water_Security_in_Gcc_Countries

Water security in GCC countries During the closing statement of the 31st GCC Summit in Abu Dhabi, the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council stressed on the point of adopting a serious strategy on water security. Because of the strong relationship between water and other important elements of environment such as energy, food and agriculture security, it is predicted that fighting for water will be the reason of the next world war. Limited water resources especially in GCC region is a serious issue that requires huge efforts to ensure that we have enough water for the next generations. Nowadays, gulf countries are mainly depending on under ground water and desalinated water to fulfill the increasing demand on water. According to some studies, it is estimated that the demand will reach to 32.5 billion m^2 each year. If the current situation keeps the same, the produced water through current method is not enough to fulfill the demand, which might be dangerous in the long term. It is estimated that Gulf countries are producing half the desalinated water in the world, a process that needed huge source of energy, money and not eco-friendly. This way of producing water will reflect negatively on environment as this method produces huge amount of emissions will increases global warming. In addition it effects the quality of the ocean's water as the salinity (the amount of salt in water) increases. UAE and GCC countries are working to overcome this risk by developing the production of fresh water and searching for more reliable and sustainable sources. Many solutions are considered such as recycling water and developing underground wells and these solutions and others are being tested to conclude with the best solution. In my opinion, this is a big issue and we have all to work together to overcome this risk. Water security is a common responsibility and all the community is responsible of keeping this valuable source by reducing our consumption and changing our life styles in the fair of nature. Sources: 1-http://www.qnaol.net/QNAEn/News_bulletin/News/Pages/10-12-07-2026_528_0063.aspx 2- http://www.emaratalyoum.com/opinion/2010-12-14-1.329028