Water-related violence will increase in 2023, showing a significant increase over the past decade. . Disasters include attacks on water systems, disputes over control and access to water, and the use of water as a weapon of war. In 2023, 347 such incidents were recorded, an increase of 150 percent compared to 2022, with 231 incidents. This is a significant increase from just 22 disasters recorded in 2000. The Pacific Institute, a global water think tank, has released a major update to the Water Development Chronology, a resource database. world’s widest open water. violence More than 300 new instances of violent conflicts related to water resources and systems have been added, covering all water-related incidents through the end of 2023.
This update was released ahead of the World Water Week conference in Stockholm, where the 2024 theme is “Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future.” Dr. Peter Gleick, Senior Fellow and co-founder of the Pacific Institute, noted that the rise in water-related violence is driven by disputes over scarce water resources, the impact of climate change, and attacks on water systems in conflict zones like the Middle East and Ukraine. Morgan Shimabuku, Senior Researcher at the Pacific Institute, emphasized that this increase highlights the insufficient efforts to ensure equitable access to safe water and the devastating effects of war on civilian populations and water infrastructure. The report shows that water conflicts were reported in all major regions worldwide in 2023, with the Middle East, Southern Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa being particularly affected. Attacks on water infrastructure made up half of the incidents, disputes over access and control accounted for 39%, and water was used as a weapon in 11% of cases. Most conflicts were transnational, with 62% involving local groups and 38% cross-border. The Pacific Institute also focuses on strategies to reduce water-related violence, advocacy for stronger water policies, equitable distribution and international cooperation. The Water-Conflict Chronology, now containing more than 1,920 cases, is a valuable resource for understanding the growing problems associated with water-violence.