Can the Middle East solve its water problem?

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is the world's most water-scarce region, with 17 countries below the water poverty line set by the United Nations.Much like money spent from an overdrawn bank account, water in the region is being withdrawn faster than it can be replenished, meaning MENA countries are essentially "living beyond their means."This is the finding of a recent World Bank report, which outlines how the region can move beyond water scarcity to greater water security.Home to six percent of the world's population, yet just one percent of the world's freshwater resources, the report found that the MENA region needs to take critical action to narrow the gap between water supply and demand.

The pressures of population and economic growth and climate change are expected to further exacerbate water stress in MENA. The World Bank report suggests this will increase competition for water resources that are shared across borders, and, in turn, heighten political tensions.
If things continue "business as usual," 60% of the MENA region will face high to extremely high water stress by 2040, according to World Bank estimates. By 2050, the World Bank says climate-related water scarcity will cost the region 6 to 14% of its GDP.