Water, climate change, food and population growth

This paper provides a global look at the water resources at the World scale, with a perspective for the middle of the XXIst century. The likely consequences of climate change are first considered, for both average and extreme events. Situations of water scarcity and droughts, as well as water resource increase are considered. The global water needs for food production are discussed, given the predicted demographic growth, the potential diet changes and competition between food production and bio-energy production. The potential for major food shortages in case of severe global droughts (e.g. during very strong El Niño events) is discussed. The consequences of climate change and food requirements for ecosystems and biodiversity conservation are discussed. Potential solutions are listed.