Water Dilemmas: The Cascading Impacts of Water Insecurity in a Heating World

This briefing paper presents findings from Oxfam’s recently commissioned research on climate predictions for 2040 and 2050 in the Middle East, the Horn, East and Central Africa, West Africa and Asia regions. Analyses show how temperature increases will influence water insecurity in these regions and the potential impacts on food security, spread of diseases and other factors. This briefing paper also shows the severe under-investments by national governments and donors in water, sanitation and hygiene systems, which has critical implications not only for water security but also poverty and inequality. Oxfam is calling for urgent action to increase investments in sustainable, climate-adapted water management for the people who are most at risk from the worsening climate crisis.