Dutch official: Water woes could slash global GDP by 8-15% by 2050

Failure to address pressing water issues could drain the world economy of 8-15% of its GDP by 2050, said Wampie Libon, Director of Inclusive Green Growth and Ambassador of Sustainable Development at the Netherlands’ Foreign Ministry, Report informs.

Speaking at the event themed "Water for Climate: Integrating Water Solutions into NDCs and NAPs,” held as a part of COP29, Libon stated, "If we take no action on water, it will have a very negative impact on GDP. I think water issues should be at the core of climate measures."

“Regarding Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the positive news is that about 90% of countries have already integrated relevant measures into their national plans. The missing part is still the need for finance for these commitments," Libon noted.

"Water is really a huge problem. All parties need to solve it. We need to commit together, we need to continue learning from each other. We can help with investments, with capacity building, with exchange of knowledge. If we work toward a common goal, hopefully, we can change the course," the director noted.