Egypt Warns of ‘Water Scarcity’ at Baghdad International Water Conference

Egypt Warns of ‘Water Scarcity’ at Baghdad International Water Conference

Egypt said it is among the countries suffering the most from "water scarcity", noting that increased pressure on limited water resources will lead to the spread of poverty and a decline in the standard of living.

The Egyptian Minister of Water Resources, Mohamed Abdul Ati, participated in the second Baghdad International Water Conference, titled "Water and Climate Change."

Speaking at the "Water Resources Management with Climate Changes" session, the Minister said Egypt suffers from water resources scarcity and needs about 114 billion cubic meters annually, while the available water resources amount to 74 billion cubic meters.

The Nile water accounts for more than 90 percent of Egypt's needs or 55.5 billion cubic meters. It fears water shortage after Ethiopia begins operating the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

The Minister focused on the negative impact of climate change, adding that increased pressure on limited water resources would lead to water poverty and a decline in living standards.

He warned that the adverse effects of climate change have become a "reality we are witnessing in many extreme weather conditions" around the world.

Abdul Ati stressed that Egypt and many Arab countries are among the most countries in the world that suffer from water scarcity, which necessitated the development