The United Nations has released a report titled “Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023“, which highlights several environmental tipping points including groundwater depletion that the world is approaching. Groundwater depletion is a critical issue, particularly in regions like the Indo-Gangetic basin in India. According to the report, some areas in this region have already passed the groundwater depletion tipping point, and it is predicted that the entire northwestern region of India will experience critically low groundwater availability by 2025.
Key points from the report:
Groundwater Depletion:
Around 70% of groundwater withdrawals are used for agriculture, especially when above-ground water sources are insufficient. Aquifers are essential for mitigating agricultural losses during droughts. However, more than half of the world’s major aquifers are depleting faster than they can naturally destroyed. When the water table falls too low, farmers may lose access to water, which poses a risk to food production systems.
Global Perspective:
Some countries, including Saudi Arabia, have already exceeded the groundwater risk tipping point. India, being the world’s largest user of groundwater, is also at significant risk. The northwestern region of India, which includes states like Punjab and Haryana is crucial for the nation’s food production, but it is facing a critical groundwater availability challenge by 2025.
Significance of Groundwater in India:
India heavily depends on groundwater for agriculture, which is the combined usage of groundwater in the United States and China. Punjab and Haryana, located in the northwestern region are major contributors to the country’s rice and wheat production. However, a significant portion of wells in Punjab is already overexploited.
Environmental Tipping Points:
Environmental tipping points represent critical thresholds in Earth’s systems, beyond which irreversible changes occur potentially leading to catastrophic shifts in ecosystems and climate patterns.
The report underlines the urgency of addressing these issues to avoid the consequences of crossing these tipping points. It emphasizes the need for urgent changes to safeguard the environment and food production systems.
Jack O’Connor, the lead author of the report stated that as these tipping points approach, their impacts will become increasingly evident. Once these points are crossed, it will be challenging to reverse the damage. The report aims to raise awareness about the risks, their causes, and the necessary changes to mitigate them.
