Freshwater: a scarce resource
Only 2.5 per cent of all the world's water is fresh, that is, fit for human consumption, agriculture and industry. However, in several parts of the world, water is being used at a much faster rate than can be replenished by rainfall. The United Nations warns that the shortage of freshwater could be the most serious obstacle to producing enough food for a burgeoning world population, reducing poverty and protecting the environment.
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