Global water shortages and the challenge facing Mexico

Numerous countries are facing a severe water shortage for food production, drinking water and industry, with profound impacts on the world's poor and the potential for global conflicts. This article traces the past 30 years' trends in irrigation and water productivity and projects global water supply and demand for the next 30 years, including estimates for Mexico. Options to address water shortages are discussed, including developing additional water resources, improving the management and productivity of already developed water resources and increasing food imports. In the short run, problems associated with water scarcity in many regions will become more severe. But with appropriate policies and institutions, the word's water resources can be managed to meet the needs of a much larger population.