Water

Water, vital to life, covers 72% of the Earth, but only 2.8% is usable freshwater. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the demand for water has greatly increased, creating significant pressure on reserves. Currently, more than 2 billion people experience water stress each year, where the available freshwater is insufficient. North Africa and the Middle East are the most affected due to their arid climate. Other regions, such as Asia, Latin America, and Southern Europe, are also at risk. According to the World Resources Institute, freshwater scarcity will worsen by 2050 due to climate change, population growth, and urbanization. By 2050, 51 countries, including 9 in Europe, will have high levels of water stress. In France, water stress will be "medium to high," with the southern part of the country particularly threatened.

Other Resources

Natural resources, such as minerals, forests, and fossil fuels, are vital but are at risk of depletion. • Minerals (copper, lithium, cobalt) are essential for electronic devices and batteries, and their demand is rapidly increasing. • Forests, covering 31% of the land, regulate the climate and protect biodiversity, but deforestation threatens them. • Fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) are still widely used, but their depletion and impact on the climate pose problems. Without adequate measures, the scarcity of these resources will have serious consequences. Sustainable management and technological innovations are crucial to preserve the future.