Greece and Türkiye among 33 countries facing “extremely high water stress” by 2040

A growing global water crisis could place 33 countries—including Greece and Türkiye—under “extremely high water stress” by 2040, according to projections based on international data and research.

The findings, highlighted in a water security report drawing on analysis from the World Resources Institute (WRI), underline how population growth, urbanization, consumption patterns, conflict, and climate change are rapidly increasing pressure on global water resources.

🌍 Global Water Stress on the Rise
The WRI study, which analyzed 167 countries, identifies 33 nations expected to fall into the highest risk category by 2040. Greece ranks 28th on the list, signaling mounting pressure from both rising demand and climate-driven supply constraints.

Countries in the high-risk category include several in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe and Asia, highlighting the global scale of the issue.

⚠️ Middle East at the Epicenter
The report notes that 14 of the 33 high-risk countries are located in the Middle East, a region already considered one of the most water-insecure in the world.

Heavy reliance on groundwater depletion and costly desalination systems—particularly in Gulf states—adds to long-term sustainability concerns. Over 400 desalination plants operate along Gulf coastlines, playing a critical role in water supply for drinking, agriculture, and industry.

However, recent geopolitical tensions have raised new risks. Developments involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have heightened concerns that key water and energy infrastructure in the region could become targets, potentially triggering large-scale humanitarian crises.

💧 Water Security as a Strategic Issue
Experts increasingly view water not just as an environmental concern but as a critical security issue.

Abou Amani of UNESCO defines water security as ensuring reliable access to sufficient and safe water while protecting populations from water-related hazards such as droughts and floods.

According to UNESCO data:

• 26% of the global population lacks safely managed drinking water
• 41% lack adequate sanitation services
• Around 4 billion people experience high water stress at least one month per year
   

📉 Economic and Social Risks
Water scarcity can have cascading effects on:

• Agriculture and food production
• Energy generation
• Public health
• Migration and economic stability

Professor Shafiqul Islam from Tufts University warns that the concept of “Day Zero”—when water supplies run critically low—has already become a reality in some regions, such as Cape Town.

“Day Zero is no longer hypothetical—it is a real and growing risk for cities worldwide,” he noted.
 
🌡️ Climate Change and Demand Pressures
Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and increasing drought frequency are reducing water availability in many regions. At the same time, population growth, urban expansion, and water-intensive sectors such as energy and livestock production are driving demand higher.

Experts stress that proactive policies, sustainable resource management, and international cooperation will be critical to mitigating the crisis.